Organizers of Commercial UAV Expo announced the launch of the UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship, an initiative dedicated to empowering university students passionate about leveraging Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) for social good. With a vision to foster an inclusive and diverse community within the commercial drone industry, this scholarship program seeks to nurture innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide access to mentoring and networking opportunities by selecting university students to attend Commercial UAV Expo through an event scholarship.
The Path to Leadership Event Scholarship aims to increase diversity in leadership roles within the commercial drone industry by supporting students who are traditionally underrepresented in the field. Open to university students worldwide, the scholarship invites applicants who demonstrate a commitment to utilizing drone technology for positive social and environmental impact.
“We are thrilled to introduce the UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship,” said Lora Burns, Senior Marketing Manager and DEI Manager at Commercial UAV Expo. “At Commercial UAV Expo, we highlight many of the benefits of drones, from medical deliveries to coastal mapping to search and rescue efforts. We are excited to empower the next generation of leaders who will use this technology to better their communities, and we are dedicated to creating access to valuable mentoring and education opportunities for students interested in the field. We want to inspire students while they are performing their studies and give them access to this event platform to help make those connections early in their careers.”
Three students will be selected as scholarship recipients, each receiving a full conference pass to the Commercial UAV Expo, providing access to sessions, keynotes, workshops, outdoor flying demonstrations, and networking events, as well as complimentary hotel accommodations, a travel stipend towards airfare, and mentorship matching onsite with commercial drone professionals in leadership positions.
The scholarship program will be overseen by a committee of industry experts with extensive experience in drone technology, social impact, DEI initiatives, and education. They will play a crucial role in evaluating applications, selecting scholarship recipients, and providing guidance to ensure the program’s success and impact. Committee members include Kat James, Founder of Four Hundred Feet, Eno Umoh, Co-founder of the Global Air Drone Academy, and Rebecca Lehman, Senior ESG & Social Impact Manager at DroneDeploy.
“The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship not only empowers individuals with diverse backgrounds to explore careers in the drone industry but also enriches the industry as a whole by fostering innovation and inclusivity as we train the next generation of leaders,” said scholarship committee member Kat James, Founder of Four Hundred Feet.
“The global drone industry is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology opening up new possibilities for social and environmental impact. Networking and collaboration are crucial in this dynamic field, as they enable us to share knowledge, foster innovation, and build a more inclusive community,” said scholarship committee member Eno Umoh, Co-founder of Global Air Drone Academy. “The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship is a fantastic initiative that not only supports inclusive talent but also enriches the entire industry by bringing fresh perspectives and ideas.”
"Many companies using drones in their workflows are struggling to find talent. We must nurture the next generation of students who will be able to take our industry to new heights. This scholarship is an opportunity for students to see they have a future in the drone industry, and can make a meaningful impact by applying their skills and passion here," added scholarship committee member Rebecca Lehman, Senior ESG & Social Impact Manager at DroneDeploy.
“The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for university students to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of commercial drone technology and contribute to meaningful social change,” added Burns. “By investing in the next generation of drone innovators, we aim to catalyze positive transformations using drones for good and to empower younger generations to access opportunities in the field.”
Interested students should submit an application including personal statements outlining their interest in drone technology and its potential for societal benefit, relevant experiences, and a letter of recommendation.
For more information, including full scholarship details, deadlines, and eligibility, visit the UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship information page.
About Commercial UAV Expo
Commercial UAV Expo is produced by Diversified Communications’ technology portfolio, which also includes Commercial UAV News, Commercial UAV Expo Europe; Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, 3D Technology Newsletter, AEC Innovations Newsletter, Geo Business (UK), and Digital Construction Week (UK).
For more information about the UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship, please visit https://www.expouav.com/uav-empower-leadership-scholarship/.
Contact Information:
Commercial UAV Expo Senior Marketing Manager
[email protected]
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