CIDER Summer Pilot Training Program Invites Applications

[PSYCFWD]

Good afternoon,

2026 CIDER Summer Pilot Training Program:
The CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) invites applications for the 2026 Summer Pilot Training Program for UCSC undergraduate and graduate students. The program includes three main components:

• Self-studying for and completing the FAA Part 107 remote pilot license exam before in-person training begins. CIDER provides an online prep course and covers the $175 exam fee. Canvas access is provided after student selections are finalized in early June.
• For undergraduates, the program includes an in-person drone build and curriculum component from July 13 to July 31.
• The program wraps up with an in-person research project component for all students from August 24 to September 4. This includes flight training, mission planning and data analysis using Drone Deploy and ArcGIS, and designing and implementing drone research projects in small groups.

Undergraduate students will earn 10 credits, and graduate students will receive a $1,200 stipend upon completion of the program. All students are eligible to apply, regardless of their major and citizenship. No prior experience in drone piloting is required.

Submit an online application and cover letter by 11:59 pm PST on Monday, May 18, 2026. For more information, please visit the program website or email the program at ci...@ucsc.edu. Please find the application on the website or apply directly via the application form here.

Best,

Saara

-- 

Saara Korpela

CITRIS/CIDER Program Coordinator

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute

Baskin School of Engineering

1156 High Street | University of California | Santa Cruz, CA 95064

skor...@ucsc.edu

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