Unmanned Systems Education
Virginia Space Grant Consortium
VSGC is a coalition of five Virginia colleges and universities, NASA, state educational agencies, Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology and other institutions representing diverse aerospace interests. VSGC acts as an umbrella organization, coordinating and developing aerospace-related and high technology educational and research efforts throughout the Commonwealth, and connecting Virginia’s effort to a national community of shared aerospace interests. VSGC administers the GeoTed-UAS project funded by the National Science Foundation.
Christopher Newport University
The School of Engineering and Computing (SEC) offers multiple B.S and M.S. Degrees. Department research includes labs focused on robotics, intelligent systems, and collaborative agents. Beyond the classroom, CNU PCSE offers a UAS Competition Team Club.
Old Dominion University
ODU’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has close ties with: NASA Langley Research Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, and other government agencies and local industries.
Elizabeth City State University
ECSU has developed a comprehensive UAS program that encompasses two B.S. Degree programs: (1) B.S. Aviation Science w/UAS Concentration (2) B.S. Unmanned Aircraft Systems. ECSU builds upon 30+ years of Aviation expertise and offers the only 4-year UAS degree program regionally. Gain both Systems and Operational Knowledge and skills with hands-on field experience with industry / research grade equipment. A UAS Flight Testing Facility is in development.
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Offers a UMS program that provides a Small UAS Systems Flight Technician Certificate.
Denbigh Aviation Academy
Denbigh High School’s Aviation Academy, a nationally recognized STEM site, that specializes in piloting, aircraft maintenance, engineering, safety and security. We provide a quality education that maximizes the potential of every student by providing them with the knowledge, skillsets, experiences and values needed in the 21st Century workplace.
Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program (WASP)
Offering local high school students aviation scholarships since 2014. Located in Williamsburg, VA.
Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Newport News
Tech Center Research Park, a part of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Newport News, partnered with NASA to bring space-related technology to market, beginning in 2021. NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate Technology Transfer Expansion (T2X) and Tech Center Research Park’s Accelerator Network (AN) programs combine strengths to introduce entrepreneurs to NASA’s extensive technology portfolio.
The eAviation & Drone Academy
The eAviation & Drone Academy in Hampton Roads, VA offers training for UAS and Electric Aviation. Focus areas: Unmanned Aviation, FBO Operations, Electric Aviation, and support for AAM academic flight research.
New Horizons Regional Education Center
New Horizons Regional Education Center and eAviation & Drone Academy has partnered to offer high school students from the six Virginia Peninsula school divisions the opportunity to learn about Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This one-year program prepares students to earn the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and 18 college credits through dual enrollment with Virginia Peninsula Community College. Students will use Zephyr simulation software to practice flying inside and will learn to coordinate flight operations outside, both manually and autonomously. Students will also get the opportunity to build a drone.