Building on the success of its drone certification program, has secured a new $920,238 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to expand education using tools such as drone-mounted sensors to collect data across the state. The three-year project aims to meet workforce demand or stackable credentials for use in utilities, civil engineering, agriculture and environmental hazard mitigation.

“Expanding the Impact of Geospatial Remote Sensing in Hawaii,” leverages Hawaiʻi CC’s existing drone education credentials. By introducing advanced two- and three-dimensional surveying, lidar technology (a remote sensing technology that measures distances using laser pulses) and powerful computational tools, the program will train students not only to fly unmanned aerial vehicles but also to process and analyze complex data.

Students will conduct local projects in several courses in engineering technology, forestry management and surveying, which will lead to a certificate in geospatial remote sensing.

Expanding tech career pathways

Related story: Hawaiʻi CC launches first community college drone certification program

“This new award represents a massive leap forward for our local students,” said Principal Investigator Orlo Steele, an associate professor of agroforestry. “We are integrating cutting-edge technologies directly into our forestry, engineering and surveying courses. Furthermore, by introducing mapping training at our Pālamanui campus in West Hawaiʻi, we are opening doors for students across the island and partnering with other Pacific Islands to build a truly regional tech workforce.”

The project also aims to expand access to high-tech career pathways for all students and increase their qualifications to be competitive in the rapidly growing drone economy. Strengthening pathways from high school to community college to four-year institutions, while also providing upskilling opportunities for incumbent workers in utilities, agriculture, public safety and natural resource management is also a goal of the project.

“We are focusing deeply on student outcomes and workforce readiness,” explained Co-Principal Investigator Donna Pacheco, an associate professor of engineering technology. “We want to ensure our graduates understand how to apply their skills in the field, making them highly competitive for high-paying positions within private, state and federal engineering and environmental agencies.”

Spring registration for the first drone certification program in the state’s community college system is now open at . The program, backed by a $650,000 National Science Foundation grant, emphasizes practical applications of drone technology across industries, including agriculture, civil defense and environmental conservation.

Debuting with a test cohort in fall 2023, the program quickly gained traction, equipping students with a comprehensive introduction to drone operations, including preparation for the FAA Part 107 certification required to become a licensed commercial drone pilot, and combining classroom learning with hands-on lab experiences.

Students practiced flying both racing drones and advanced commercial models. In fall 2024, the introductory course ENGT 107 reached capacity almost immediately.

“Students are fascinated by how drones revolutionize traditional methods of observation,” said Paul Agamata, program administrator and instructor. “Tasks that once took days on foot, such as surveying 50-acre fields, can now be accomplished in just 30 minutes with drones. The accuracy is astounding—down to 2 centimeters or better.”

Addressing real-world challenges

The program’s interdisciplinary approach ensures students can apply drone technology across multiple sectors, addressing real-world challenges on Hawaiʻi Island and beyond.

After ENGT 107, there are three courses needed to complete the certificate. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including construction surveying, public safety, environmental management, agriculture, and media production. The program also emphasizes data analysis.

“Learning to fly is the easy part,” Agamata said. “The challenge lies in collecting and interpreting data—skills we teach so students can use drones effectively in their industries.”

Community partners

The program has also attracted interest from community partners such as Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, from disaster response to agroforestry management.

“Having knowledgeable, licensed drone pilots who can help make observations and collect data during emergency situations lessens the human risk,” said Talmadge Magno, Hawaiʻi County civil defense administrator. “This technology gives us many advantages.”

������Ƶ for more information about ENGT 107 and take the first step toward becoming a certified drone pilot. For more information, contact Agamata at (808) 934-2686.