The UCSC CIDER Drone Pilot Training Program
To meet the needs of the growing drone industry and university research interests, the UCSC CIDER team has created a mentoring and education program aimed at training students in the safe and comprehensive use of drones, with a special focus on agricultural and environmental applications. We seek to increase diversity in the drone industry, which has historically struggled to include professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and identities. While the program is currently limited to UCSC students, it will eventually expand – through satellite programs at Hartnell College and beyond – to train and serve local community stakeholders in the rich agricultural lands of nearby Salinas Valley.
The Drone Pilot Training Program encompasses four main components:
- Study and successful completion of the FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot license exam
- Practical flight training and practice
- An introduction to software such as Drone Deploy and QGIS for mission planning and data analysis
- A drone project in a small group
The program takes place over 16 weeks during Winter and Spring Quarters, meeting for approximately four hours of instruction each week both in the classroom and flight practice. During the classroom portion, participants are introduced to photogrammetry and image processing in GIS. Students also meet with a variety of researchers and flight professionals who use drones in the course of their work to explore emerging opportunities in drone aviation.
The program offers two tracks: a general track that reviews a wide variety of drone applications and an agriculture track that focuses specifically on the use of drones in agriculture. The program is highly selective, admitting 20 participants for the general track and 15 for the agriculture track.
Pilot candidates will receive a $1,200 award. Participants are provided with instruction, course materials, access to drones for flight practice, and skilled instructors. Costs for the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot exam ($175) will also be covered. Flight practice sessions will take place on campus at UC Santa Cruz.
Eligibility
All UCSC students are eligible to apply, regardless of citizenship status or major. In alignment with the program’s goals and its role within the university, priority will be given to 2nd- and 3rd-year students. However, motivated 4th- and 1st-years are encouraged to apply. A limited number of graduate students may also be accepted on a space-available basis.
Students from historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields are particularly encouraged to apply. Application materials include an unofficial transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a cover letter.
Due to the rigorous and selective nature of the program, applicants must be able to commit to completing all components of the program. Participants are expected to be present at all sessions and to sign up and complete the FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Exam.
Program Schedule
Participants must be able to commit approximately 4 hours per week of classroom and/or flight practice over 16 weeks during Winter and Spring Quarters. Classes will be held in person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Participants are expected to select their Winter and Spring academic courses in ways that do not conflict with the program hours.
Application Process
The application for the 2026 cohort will be available in September 2025.
If you have questions about the program or application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information: cider@ucsc.edu
How do I apply?
The application for the CIDER Drone Pilot Training program consists of online questions and external materials that you’ll gather offline before beginning the application. You’ll find a list of items below. Once you begin the online application, you will not be able to save it and return to it later, so please have your unofficial transcripts and cover letters complete and ready to upload when you begin the application. Your letter of recommendation can be submitted by your recommender anytime prior to the deadline.
Step 1: Get your unofficial UCSC transcript
To download a PDF copy of your unofficial transcript, please follow these instructions:
Log into MyUCSC and choose the Student Center tile. In the Academics section of Student Center, select Transcript: View Unofficial and click “Go.” Select “Printable Transcript (PDF)” for the report type and click “view report.”
Step 2: Secure a letter of recommendation
Choose a professor, supervisor, or other academic/professional mentor who you have worked with closely. Your recommender should be familiar with some of the experiences, knowledge, and capabilities that you have described in your cover letter.
Please explain the program to your recommender and ask them to share the following information in their letter:
- For how long and in what capacity they have known you.
- Any personal and professional characteristics that make you a strong candidate for the CIDER Drone Pilot Training program.
- How this program will help you achieve your goals.
Please do not send letters of recommendation from your own email account. Letters should be emailed directly by your recommender to (cider@ucsc.edu) by no later than 11:59 pm PST on November 6th. They should include the recommender’s name, title, address, and email, and have the following subject line: Letter of recommendation for (Last name) (First Name).
Step 3: Write a cover letter
Please ensure that your letter is no longer than one page and addresses the following points:
- Motivation: Describe your motivation to participate in this drone education program.
- Future Aspirations: Share your envisioned career path following graduation. If drones play a part in your future plans, please elaborate on how acquiring drone skills will be advantageous to your career.
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Provide two instances where you have contemplated or directly addressed issues pertaining to diversity, equity, or inclusion, either within your peer group or in other professional or academic settings.
We value each aspect of these instructions as they give us a comprehensive understanding of your experiences and aspirations.
Step 4: Complete the online application and upload your external materials when prompted
Applications will be due on or before November 3rd and the deadline for the recommendation letter(s) is on November 6th. If you have any questions, please reach out to our staff at cider@ucsc.edu.
CIDER Drone Pilot Training Program Informational Session Presentation: