Are you fascinated by drones? They’ve put commercial shipping on a whole new level and that’s not even getting into their recreational use. Could you image them helping you to afford college? Well, now they can! The Drone Pilot Ground School is offering what they are calling the “Drone Technology College Scholarship!” There are two scholarships available: one for high-school students, originating from 2017, and a more recent one for current college students.
High School STEM Scholarship
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High school students interested in drones have access to a scholarship that allows them free access to an online Part 107 test prep course (worth around $299) for an FAA drone pilot license. The first 100 applicants who take the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test will also have their FAA test fee, which is worth around $150, covered.
In order to apply, students must be at least 16 years of age, be enrolled in high school and be a resident of the United States. Students must then write a 250-500 word essay answering one of three questions:
- “Tell us your drone story. How did you first learn about drones? What captivates you about small unmanned aerial systems?”
- “Tell us about your involvement in drones to date. What models have you flown? What would you like to fly? Are you a member of any school clubs, classes, or organizations that have helped to push your interest forward?”
- “How do you plan to use your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate? What are your professional aspirations in the drone industry?”
Students must also upload a letter of support from an educator, such as a teacher or a robotics/engineering club leader.
Drone Technology College Scholarship
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For students currently enrolled in a college or university, two non-renewable scholarships will award $1,000 each to lucky students.
In order to apply, students must answer three pieces of writing:
- In an essay of around 750 to 1,000 words, students can answer one of the following questions:
- “How Drones Can Be Used to do Good?”
- “How Drones Will Change Our World Over the Next Ten Years?”
- “How Drones Can Be Used for STEM Education?”
- A paragraph in which the student talks about themselves, like their education and career plans, including their interest in drones
- A paragraph explaining what they would do with the scholarship money
In addition, the students also need to submit a letter of recommendation from an educator, which can include an advisor or coach.
All applications for the college scholarship must be submitted by May 1, 2018 and the winners will be announced on May 11, 2018.
Further Information
The official website offers the following note:
“The essay categories are intentionally broad to allow applicants to choose specific themes or topics that interest them. That being said, successful essays will focus on one topic within a given category and be as detailed and specific as possible. For example, an essay on ‘How Drones Can Be Used for Good’ will not simply be a list of examples, but will look closely at one or two scenarios in which drones can create positive change, and how exactly this will happen.”
Applications can be submitted on the official website. You can also send questions and comments to support@dronepilotgroundschool.com.