Over the past four years, the Mancos Drones Program has grown from the ground up into one of the district’s most exciting Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. This success would not have been possible without the generous support of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, whose funding made it possible to establish and expand the program.
Two dedicated instructors have helped shape this journey: past instructor Josh Dalley and current instructor Jason Witt. Both are credentialed instructors, which allows the drone program to be offered as a concurrent enrollment course through Pueblo Community College (PCC). This means Mancos students gain not only high school credit, but also college credit, an incredible opportunity in a small, rural district.
Thanks to this grant, Mancos School District invested in a fleet of drones that gives students hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment:
* Career Fleet: DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3 Pro, two DJI Avata 2 VR drones, and four DJI Mini 4 Pros. These advanced aircraft expose students to professional-level capabilities used in construction, agriculture, real estate, and even emergency services.
Training Fleet: Eight DJI Mini 3 Pros. These lighter, safer drones help students develop essential piloting skills before advancing to more complex equipment and missions.
Equipped with these tools, students gain workforce-ready skills while also building connections with local industry partners, opening doors to internships and work-based learning opportunities.
During the course, every student earns their FAA TRUST Safety Certificate and has the opportunity to prepare for and take the FAA Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot test, which grants a license for commercial drone operation.
One shining example of this program’s impact is Kaden Anderson, a Mancos graduate who completed the course, earned his Part 107 license, and now serves as both a mentor in Mr. Witt’s classroom and as an intern. To show appreciation, Kaden produced a special video thanking CDOT for their investment in our students and community.
We extend our gratitude to CDOT’s Division of Aeronautics, our instructors, and especially our students who continue to make the Mancos Drones Program a success. With their hard work and passion, the future of aviation in Mancos is bright.