Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) announced a new scholarship program that will cover tuition and fees for a full‑ride, 16‑week unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) curriculum starting in January 2027. The scholarships are aimed at students who want hands‑on experience in drone technology, a field that is rapidly expanding across multiple industries.
Program details and curriculum
The spring 2027 cohort will begin classes on Jan. 11 and will be based in the college’s brand‑new drone lab, part of a $45 million expansion that opens this winter. Over the course of the 16‑week program, students will receive practical training in drone operations, flight safety, mission planning, aircraft maintenance, aerial photography, data processing, and even how to launch a small UAS‑focused business.
Scholarship benefits
Each scholarship covers full tuition and mandatory fees, removing financial barriers for qualified applicants. Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech, emphasized that the initiative is designed to “open doors to high‑demand skills, new career pathways, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.” The college expects the program to feed directly into the region’s growing aviation workforce, supporting both traditional manufacturers and emerging drone‑related enterprises.
Application process
Prospective students should contact WSU Tech Admissions at 316‑677‑9400 or visit the scholarship webpage at wsutech.edu/unmannedaircraftsystemsscholarship/ for detailed application instructions, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. The college encourages residents of Wichita and the surrounding Sedgwick County area to apply, noting that the program aligns with local industry needs and offers a pathway to stable, well‑paid jobs.
Impact on the local economy
By investing in state‑of‑the‑art training facilities and offering full‑ride scholarships, WSU Tech is strengthening Wichita’s reputation as an aviation hub. The program is expected to produce a pipeline of skilled technicians and operators who can support existing manufacturers, new drone service providers, and agricultural enterprises that rely on aerial data collection. This aligns with broader workforce‑development goals championed by local business leaders and community stakeholders.
Community response
Local business groups and industry partners have praised the initiative, calling it a strategic move that will keep Kansas at the forefront of aviation innovation. Parents and high‑school counselors see the scholarships as a valuable option for students seeking a technical career without the burden of student debt.
WSU Tech’s drone lab and scholarship program represent a concrete step toward expanding high‑skill training opportunities in the heartland, ensuring that Wichita’s youth can compete in a technology‑driven job market.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
