Scholarships cover tuition and required fees for a 16-week program featuring hands-on training in a new drone lab.

WICHITA, Kan. – Nov 9, 2026 – Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) is offering full-ride scholarships for students interested in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), providing an opportunity to earn a technical certificate in just 16 weeks without the cost of tuition or required program fees.

The scholarships, available for the Spring 2027 semester, will cover 100% of eligible tuition and required program fees for students enrolling in WSU Tech’s UAS Technical Certificate A program, which has an estimated cost of $7,282. Students will train in a brand-new drone lab at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT), part of the college’s $45 million expansion opening in January. The new lab represents another dimension of aviation workforce development at WSU Tech, expanding training beyond traditional aircraft manufacturing and maintenance into unmanned flight.

“Drone technology is transforming industries and creating entirely new career opportunities, and we want to make sure our students are prepared to be part of that future,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “With our investment in state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment, combined with these scholarships, we’re doing more than teaching students how to fly drones. We’re opening doors to high-demand skills, new career pathways, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. That’s what WSU Tech is all about.”

The program offers opportunities for recent high school graduates exploring careers in aviation and technology, adults considering a career change, and working professionals interested in incorporating drone technology into their existing fields.

Unmanned aircraft systems are increasingly used in agriculture, construction, infrastructure inspection, public safety, and media production. Applications range from monitoring crops and inspecting structures to capturing aerial imagery and collecting data.

Throughout the 16-week program, students will gain hands-on experience in drone operations, flight safety, mission planning, aircraft maintenance, aerial photography, data processing, and UAS small business. Coursework also provides knowledge to help prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 16 years old, enroll full-time in the UAS Technical Certificate A program, complete the scholarship application and FAFSA, and meet applicable admission and federal financial aid eligibility requirements.

Spring classes begin Jan. 11, 2027. Scholarships are limited, and awards are subject to funding availability and final eligibility verification.

For more information about the scholarship and application process, visit wsutech.edu/unmannedaircraftsystemsscholarship or contact WSU Tech Admissions at 316-677-9400.

About WSU Tech

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu. Follow WSU Tech on social media: Facebook| LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | X (Twitter) | TikTok