College to Expand Drone Education Opportunities

Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is proud to announce its approval to join the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) Program. This achievement marks a significant milestone in ESCC’s commitment to advancing UAS education and training in partnership with Sentinel Robotic Solutions. 

The FAA UAS College Initiative Program is designed to promote and support UAS education at colleges and universities nationwide. By integrating UAS technology into academic programs, the initiative prepares students for careers in this rapidly growing field while fostering innovation, safety, and best practices in UAS operations. As a member of this prestigious program, ESCC will enhance its curriculum, offering students access to state-of-the-art technology, expert instruction, and hands-on experience in UAS operations. 

“Expanding drone education opportunities is a high priority for ESCC,” said Dr James Shaeffer, ESCC President. “From supporting our partners at NASA Wallops, our local agricultural community, our healthcare providers and our local governmental agencies, drone education will improve delivery of services and provide new career opportunities for residents of the Eastern Shore. ESCC looks forward to working closely with the UAS-CTI to grow our learning capabilities.” 

The Eastern Shore of Virginia, even though it has a relatively small population, has a large geographic footprint that creates numerous opportunities for incorporating drone technology into daily life, including delivery of medicines, supporting agricultural operations, monitoring impacts of coastal shore erosion and storms, assisting with emergency response operations, and supporting the continued growth of NASA Wallops. 

“Joining the FAA UAS College Initiative is a testament to our dedication to providing top-tier education and training in the UAS field,” said Jason Taylor, Director of UAS Programs, FAASTeam Drone Pro, and Lead UAS Instructor for Sentinel Robotic Solutions at ESCC. “This partnership empowers our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an industry that is continuously evolving and full of opportunities.” 

Sentinel Robotic Solutions, a leader in UAS training and operations, has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Their collaboration with ESCC has led to the development of comprehensive UAS training programs that are poised to meet the needs of both students and industry professionals. 

“We are thrilled about the future of UAS training at Eastern Shore Community College,” said Erika Bale, CEO of Sentinel Robotic Solutions. “Our partnership not only enhances the educational opportunities available to students but also contributes to the advancement of UAS technology and expertise within our community.” 

As ESCC embarks on this new chapter, the college is poised to become a regional hub for UAS education and innovation, preparing the next generation of UAS professionals and contributing to the growth of the industry. 

For more information about Eastern Shore Community College’s UAS programs, please visit https://es.vccs.edu/ or contact us at (757) 789-1789. 

For more information about Sentinel Robotic Solutions, visit https://www.srsgrp.com/ or call 757-824-0600. 

For more information about the FAA UAS College Initiative, visit https://www.faa.gov/uas/educational_users/collegiate_training_initiative.