The cost of attending a four-year postsecondary educational institution is something that many people in the United States struggle to afford. With such a financial burden, more individuals are turning to alternative secondary education options, particularly public community colleges. A degree from a community college for an in-state student averages around $4,977, while for out-of-state students, it is approximately $10,677. As the employment market has changed significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these more cost-friendly education programs have become excellent options. All of these factors have led to institutions, particularly community colleges, developing competitive educational opportunities. What many community colleges have discovered is that offering prospective students a path into the drone industry gives their institution the competitive edge they need.

Warren County Community College (WCCC) in Washington, NJ, has become recognized throughout the state as one of the leading schools for people interested in a future in the drone industry. They offer classes and certification programs that integrate into many facets of the growing drone industry. The programs they offer have even gone on to influence other community, state, and private secondary education programs. One such college following in WCCC’s footsteps, though they have not announced being influenced directly by the school, is Fullerton College (FC) in Fullerton, CA.

Known for notable alumni like James Cameron, Gwen Stefani, and First Lady Pat Nixon, FC was founded in 1913 and is the oldest continuously running community college in California. Tuition for 2024 was $1,151 for in-state and $9,399 for out-of-state students. Approximately 6,600 students are enrolled for the 2024 academic year. In 2018, Jay Seidel introduced a drone program at FC. He earned a degree in journalism but says that ever since he was a kid, he had a passion for all things aviation. As the drone industry started to take root, Jay saw the potential to get back into something he loved. “I just realized that hey, there’s an opportunity here to create a training program that’s on the leading edge to meet the needs for tomorrow’s workforce by preparing the students today,” Jay said.

Soon, through Jay’s vision and with the support of FC President Dr. Cynthia Olivo, the Fullerton Drone Lab opened. According to the school’s website, the drone lab focuses on three main areas: piloting, manufacturing, and application. Students can take an impressively large number of classes dedicated to each core area, many of which overlap. The program also includes all certification processes. On November 7, 2024, FC announced that they would be offering a groundbreaking drone program.

The community college is set to begin offering a Bachelor of Science in Drones and Autonomous Systems, a program far more comprehensive than any others being offered at institutions of similar standing. For individuals like Blake Castillo, a second-year student at FC working toward his degree in Administration of Justice and Drone and Autonomous Systems, this is welcome news that could positively shape his future. “Being a part of the drone program offers a great community,” Blake said. “It’s a great tool to take advantage of that I’d really recommend if you have already occurring emphasis. Drones are a great way to expand on that and to create a little bit more in your portfolio.”

The new drone program is slated to officially begin for the fall 2026 semester, and President Olivo is certain that this will guide the school and its students into the future. “I’m very ambitious for our students because to me, having a bachelor’s degree in drones, I know that will meet the needs of our students being able to compete for great jobs that offer amazing salaries,” she said. “We are always talking about the jobs that we did not know would exist in the future and this is one of those fields where if you study drone technology and autonomous systems, you can apply it wherever you’d like in your career, and it’s very exciting.”

As the demand for skilled professionals in the drone industry continues to grow, affordable community colleges are stepping up to meet this need. By offering innovative programs and certifications that bridge the gap between education and industry, these colleges are not only preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow but also helping to shape the future of technology.

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