OVERVIEW

The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship aims to empower and support university students passionate about utilizing Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)/drones for social good, and strives to create an inclusive, diverse, and accepting community of professionals in the commercial drone industry. Through this event scholarship program, we seek to foster innovation, in-person knowledge exchange, and access to mentoring and networking opportunities within the field of commercial drone technology and its applications for positive societal impact. The Path to Leadership Event Scholarship is dedicated to increasing diversity in leadership roles within the commercial drone industry.

TIMELINE

Applications will be accepted May – July 12, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be announced by August 2.  Commercial UAV Expo takes place September 3-5, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

Scholarship recipients (three total) will be granted the opportunity to attend the Commercial UAV Expo, a leading global event dedicated to the commercial drone industry.

• Benefits for Scholarship Recipient: 

  • Each selected student will receive a full conference pass, inclusive of access to all sessions, keynotes, workshops, outdoor flying demonstrations and networking events (up to $1195 value). 

  • Hotel accommodations include a complimentary hotel stay (3 nights in official event hotel) 

  • Travel stipend for airfare and ground transportation up to $1000 to cover associated travel costs (potential to increase stipend for recipients outside USA)

  • Mentorship matching onsite with commercial drone professionals in leadership positions

• Eligibility: This scholarship is open to university students worldwide who demonstrate a commitment to leveraging drone technology for positive social impact within the commercial drone industry. This scholarship is intended for students who are traditionally underrepresented in the drone industry who are culturally, ethnically, or racially diverse. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.

• Selection Criteria: Recipients will be selected based on their academic achievements, demonstrated passion for drone technology and social impact, leadership potential, their commitment to promoting DEI initiatives within the commercial drone industry, and the clarity of their vision for utilizing drones for positive change. 

• Application Process: Interested students are required to submit an application including a personal statement outlining their interest in drone technology and its potential for societal benefit, relevant experiences, and a letter of recommendation.

• Advisory Board: The scholarship program will be overseen by industry experts, with extensive experience in drone technology, social impact, DEI initiatives, and education who will play a crucial role in evaluating applications, selecting scholarship recipients, and providing guidance to ensure the program’s success and impact.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide deserving students with access to invaluable learning and networking opportunities at Commercial UAV Expo while actively contributing to increasing DEI initiatives within the commercial drone industry.

• Foster a community of passionate individuals dedicated to utilizing drone technology for positive societal change and promoting inclusivity within the industry.

• Encourage innovation and creativity in leveraging drones for various social impact initiatives while empowering younger generations to have access to opportunities in the field.

The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for university students to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of drone technology, contribute to meaningful social change, and actively participate in increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the commercial drone industry. By investing in the next generation of drone innovators, we aim to catalyze positive transformations using drones for good to create a brighter future for communities worldwide.