WSU Tech offering full-ride drone scholarships for Spring 2027

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) announced further opportunities for students surrounding its new drone lab at the National Center for Aviation Training. These opportunities come with full-ride scholarships for students interested in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

WSU Tech said the scholarships, available for the Spring 2027 semester (starting in January), cover tuition and fees for a 16-week program that features hands-on training in the new drone lab.

WSU Tech summarized that the new drone lab, part of the college’s $45 million expansion opening in January, “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 in a news release announcing the drone-program scholarship opportunities. “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 college specified that during 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.

Spring classes begin Jan. 11. For more information about the scholarship and application process, contact WSU Tech Admissions at 316-677-9400 or visit wsutech.edu/unmannedaircraftsystemsscholarship/.