$462,000 Grant from the Department of Transportation will help Expand the Drone Program in Georgetown ISD

Georgetown ISD is excited to announce the award of a $462,209 grant from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through their Blue Skies Ahead project. The grant will fund the continuation and expansion of the drone program in the district.

“It’s no secret that public school districts across the state are facing budget constraints,” said Bretton Schulz, Director for CTE Programs in the district. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to expand a growing and highly engaging program.”

The drone program, which the district launched in 2020, provides students an opportunity to receive their remote pilot certification from the FAA. Since the start of the program, 27 students have completed significant training and earned a Part 107 license from the FAA, which enables them to enter the growing field of aviation as drone pilots. Part of the grant will help cover Part 107 exam fees, which usually cost $175 per student

“Even in just three years, we've seen so much success for our students,” said Robert Thomas, GISD Drone Instructor. “From pursuing aerospace engineering in college to entering the workforce with their drone pilot’s license… the possibilities in the field of unmanned aviation are endless.” 

You can read more about the GISD drone program on our website.