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Find similar grantsDrones Uplifting California Communities (DUCC) is sponsored by CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at University of California, Santa Cruz (funded by California Jobs First initiative via California AgTech Alliance). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.
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DRONES UPLIFTING CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES (DUCC) – CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research DUCC Train the Trainer Program The Drones Uplifting California Communities (DUCC) is a statewide train-the-trainer program run by UCSC CIDER, Monterey Bay Tech Hub (MBTH), UC Merced CITRIS FLY, UC ANR Informatics and GIS, Orange Coast College, and Monterey Bay DART.
The program is dedicated to empowering communities through free and low-cost drone pilot training and licensing. We aim to equip high school and community college educators with the skills they need to train future drone pilots in their schools and incorporate drones into existing classes.
The DUCC program also aims to bring drone training to community members traditionally left behind by the tech economy in the area, to ensure the workforce is as diverse as our communities. Becoming a licensed drone pilot requires passing a knowledge test at an FAA testing center. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions on topics such as regulations, airspace, airport operations, aviation performance, and weather.
CIDER has developed an online curriculum to help prepare for the FAA exam. Over 90% of CIDER’s previous students have passed their exams on their first try. Eight weeks of asynchronous training : Prepare to take the FAA Part 107 remote pilot license test on your own schedule.
CIDER’s online curriculum includes short videos, study notes, quizzes, and a practice exam to ensure you’re well prepared. Hands-on flight training : 2-3 days of practical in person flight training to gain the confidence needed to fly drones safely with your students. Ongoing support : After training, DUCC provides over six months of guidance in developing and implementing a drone curriculum for your students.
A needs-based $1,600 stipend is available for participating high school and community college educators (one per school). A needs-based reimbursement of the $175 FAA license test fee.
Creating Opportunities for Your Students Drone piloting is a lucrative career choice that pays around $45 per hour and offers numerous opportunities in various fields, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, tourism, public safety, cinematography, and more.
With a current shortage of FAA-licensed drone pilots and growth estimates of $50 billion industry and over 500 million jobs by 2030, the future looks very promising for those skilled in drone operation. Through the DUCC program, students can obtain the FAA license, with the financial assistance available to cover the $175 FAA license exam fee.
Additionally, students interested in starting their own drone piloting businesses will have access to mentorship through MBTH entrepreneurship program.
The program is run regionally by four hubs, each responsible for the following counties: Bay Area and Central Coast – UCSC CIDER & DART: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma Central Valley – U C Merced CITRIS FLY : Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne Northern California – UC ANR IGIS: Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, Yuba Southern California – Orange Coast College: Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura Ready to start training your students as future drone pilots?
Fill out the DUCC interest form below, and we will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the next steps. If you have questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information about upcoming training in your region: Bay Area and Central Coast: UCSC CIDER Central Valley: CITRIS FLY Northern California: UC ANR IGIS Southern California: Orange Coast College
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: High schoolers, college students, and individuals in the ag tech industry, with a focus on preparing a skilled workforce for drone-related careers. Specifically supports 'train the trainers' for teachers and instructors. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows nearly $3,000,000 total (includes $2.21 million from California AgTech Alliance). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Drones Uplifting California Communities (DUCC) is funded by CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at University of California, Santa Cruz (funded by California Jobs First initiative via California AgTech Alliance). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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