Supporting the next generation of the workforce is critical for ensuring longevity and innovation for years to come. Commercial UAV News and our in-person event, Commercial UAV Expo recognizes how important it is to encourage students who are training to be the next leaders in the UAV space. To prove our commitment to the future of the workforce, we offer a special scholarship to give up to three students the opportunity to attend Commercial UAV Expo.
Since its inception, the UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship has opened doors for university students ready to make their mark in the drone industry. Before students even walk across the stage to graduate, they have the opportunity to network with seasoned professionals, attend Commercial UAV Expo on a full conference pass, and receive mentorship from leaders who've been where they want to go.
All majors are encouraged to apply; being in a drone program is not a prerequisite. All students need is U.S. university enrollment and a genuine passion for drone technology and the positive societal impact they can have in the field. Applications close on May 1, 2026.
At the heart of this scholarship program is the drive to give a voice for groups who are doing great work in the field but remain underrepresented. Beyond educating the next generation, this scholarship aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the drone industry. Past recipients have made great strides towards making the commercial drone industry more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
A 2024 recipient, Jesca Manyika exemplifies this, telling CUAV News that this scholarship “will accelerate my mission to localize drone technology across Africa while addressing critical gaps in youth empowerment and climate action.”
These scholarship recipients are proactive about lifting up their peers, providing guidance and advice to others who want to pursue drones as a career.
“I have helped increase diversity initiatives by excelling in UAS research. I am inspiring other female students studying UAS to engage in opportunities within Embry-Riddle from public safety for the 2025 Homecoming Concert to traveling abroad to document coastal environments to learning how to conduct an agricultural photogrammetric mission,” explained Belle Christianson, a 2025 recipient.
This opportunity is more than just attending a conference. It’s about finding your place in the industry and determining how you can shape the future of it. Scholarship winners will leave with more than just a wealth of knowledge, but lasting, valuable connections.
“Commercial UAV Expo brought me connections that I otherwise would not have found and that has been invaluable. Additionally, when I was applying for jobs after the event, CUAV was one of the topics I could speak about with pride. Being a recipient of this scholarship helped solidify me as a strong candidate by showing my dedication to the industry early on my career, which is something I take great pride in,” said Nina Shack, 2024 scholarship recipient.
Graduating college and entering the workforce can feel like a time full of self-doubt and uncertainty. With this scholarship opportunity, Commercial UAV Expo hopes to smooth that transition by providing strong mentorship and industry knowledge to students before they set out on their first job.
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