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VC receives grant to offer Drone Pilot Academy for high school students

What's Your Story Contest - Academic Building VC receives grant to offer Drone Pilot Academy for high school students

Victoria College has been awarded a $29,400 Governor’s Summer Merit Program (GSMP) grant by the Texas Workforce Commission to host a two-week Drone Pilot Academy for high school students.

The summer academy will focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) exploration, with a particular focus on safe and legal drone operations in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Participants will engage in a variety of activities related to drone operations, including pre-flight preparations, hands-on flying sessions both on and off campus, and post-flight procedures such as equipment inspection, completed mission review and imaging file editing.

The academy will feature guest speakers from local industries relevant to the drone sector, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees.

The Drone Pilot Academy will take place June 10-13 and June 17, 18, and 20 at VC’s Main Campus. The program is open to students entering grades 9 through 12 for the 2024-2025 academic year. There is no cost for accepted students, as the GSMP grant supports 100 percent of the project costs.

VC will continue to accept applications through May 27 at midnight.

To submit an application, visit DronePilotAcademy.VictoriaCollege.edu. For more information, contact Rachel Ospina at (361) 573-3291 or Rachel.Ospina@VictoriaCollege.edu.