Industry Leaders Unite to Launch Elevate Scholarship Program for Drone Careers

New Initiative Equips Young Professionals with Skills for the Future of AI, Robotics, and Aviation

A New Pathway for the Next Generation

As artificial intelligence and robotics reshape the global workforce, the need for new training programs is growing fast. A new initiative, the Elevate Scholarship Program, aims to prepare young professionals for careers in the drone industry—a key part of the evolving technology landscape.

Backed by DroneDeploy in collaboration with Prime Air, FlyGuys, the FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT), and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Elevate is designed to address workforce shifts and growing demand for skilled remote pilots.

“The Elevate Scholarship Program is more than just a scholarship; it’s an investment in the future,” said Jono Millin, Co-Founder of DroneDeploy. “By providing access to training and career resources, we are empowering individuals to not only participate in the drone revolution but also to shape the trajectory of the broader AI and robotics landscape.”

Meeting Industry Demand with Training and Access

The World Economic Forum predicts that 65% of today’s children will work in jobs that do not yet exist. At the same time, estimates suggest that 300 million jobs could be lost globally due to AI. With 40% of employers expecting to reduce headcounts due to automation, building a workforce ready for the future is essential.

The FAA expects nearly 500,000 new drone pilots will be needed in the next five years. Elevate answers this need by offering training and resources for individuals aged 16 to 24. In addition to Part 107 exam prep, the scholarship covers the $175 test fee—lowering financial barriers and making drone careers more accessible.

“Elevate gives people a real way in: skills, certification and a clear path into an industry that’s growing fast and changing even faster,” said FlyGuys CEO Joe Stough. “This opens the door for young people who might not otherwise see themselves in this space and gives them the tools to step into it with confidence.”

Building a Future Workforce in Emerging Technologies

The Elevate Scholarship is more than a one-time opportunity. It helps recipients build a career path by connecting them with industry resources and mentors. The program emphasizes practical skills and certified training to ensure graduates are ready to contribute to real-world drone operations.

“Elevate is exactly the kind of initiative our industry needs right now,” said Casie Ocaña, Vice President of Public Affairs at AUVSI. “We’re proud to support a program that not only opens doors for young professionals but also helps build a workforce that’s capable, certified, and ready to lead in an era defined by autonomy, AI, and innovation.”

The drone industry, particularly the drone delivery sector, is creating new categories of aviation careers. Prime Air is among the companies looking to grow the talent pool to support this future.

“The drone delivery sector represents a dynamic intersection of aviation, robotics, and artificial intelligence,” said Matt McCardle, Director of Infrastructure, Expansion, and Regulation at Prime Air. “We are committed to partnering with industry leaders in developing the next generation of professionals who will help shape the future of autonomous delivery and build the foundation for an entirely new category of aviation careers.”

A Broad Coalition for Industry Growth

Elevate is supported by a coalition of leading organizations:

• DroneDeploy, a top provider of drone software

• Prime Air, Amazon’s drone delivery service

• FlyGuys, an online platform for reality capture services

• FAA CTI, a federal program supporting UAS education

• NCAT, a center focused on autonomous technologies

• AUVSI, the industry’s leading advocacy group

With these partners, Elevate aims to create an inclusive and future-ready drone workforce.

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