Drone Education Grants for High Schools, Colleges & CTE Programs
Unlock funding to launch and support your drone education program.
Since 2016, we’ve worked alongside hundreds of educators bringing drone technology into their classrooms—helping students become FAA-certified drone pilots and build real-world skills in aviation, STEM, and workforce readiness. We know that budget limitations can make it difficult to launch or expand a drone program, and our goal is to help close that gap.
This page highlights a variety of federal and private grant opportunities available to schools, colleges, and CTE programs seeking funding for drone curriculum, equipment, and training. We’ve also introduced our own Drone Education Grant, designed to support institutions that demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to hands-on, career-focused learning.
Whether you’re applying for federal education funding, a STEM innovation grant, or our internal program, we hope these resources make it easier to bring drones to your students and open doors to a fast-growing industry.
🏛️ Federal Grants for Drone Education
The following federal programs can help high schools, colleges, and CTE programs access funding to launch or expand a drone education initiative. Each one supports STEM, workforce development, or technology integration—key pathways that align naturally with drone training.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC)
Supports after-school and extended-learning programs that expand access to hands-on STEM education. Schools can use these funds to introduce drone technology as part of enrichment or career-readiness programs that spark student interest in aviation, robotics, or engineering. Learn more →
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Helps low-income and underrepresented students prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education through innovative academic and career experiences. Drone programs can serve as high-impact STEM pathways that help students see real-world career possibilities in aviation, construction, public safety, and more. Learn more →
Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Funds innovative magnet programs that promote diversity and academic excellence. Schools can integrate drone technology into magnet programs focused on engineering, digital media, or STEM innovation to attract diverse student populations. Learn more →
Mathematics and Science Partnerships (MSP) Encourages partnerships between schools and higher education institutions to improve STEM instruction. Drone curriculum can be a centerpiece for applied science and data-collection projects, helping educators connect physics, math, and environmental science to real-world applications. Learn more →
Perkins V: The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Provides significant funding for CTE programs at the secondary and postsecondary level. Schools can use Perkins funds to purchase drone equipment, build flight labs, train instructors, or integrate FAA Part 107 certification prep into existing CTE pathways like engineering, agriculture, and public safety. Learn more →
Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs Supports high-poverty schools in providing all students an opportunity to meet state academic standards. Title I funds can sometimes be used for supplemental STEM activities—such as introducing drone lessons that reinforce math, science, and technology concepts. Learn more →
National Science Foundation (NSF) – STEM Education Grants Funds initiatives that advance STEM education at all levels, including applied learning and workforce readiness. High schools and colleges can explore NSF opportunities to develop or research innovative drone programs that strengthen technical skills and STEM engagement. Learn more →
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Helps low-income and underrepresented students prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education through innovative academic and career experiences. Drone programs can serve as high-impact STEM pathways that help students see real-world career possibilities in aviation, construction, public safety, and more. Learn more →
Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Funds innovative magnet programs that promote diversity and academic excellence. Schools can integrate drone technology into magnet programs focused on engineering, digital media, or STEM innovation to attract diverse student populations. Learn more →
Mathematics and Science Partnerships (MSP) Encourages partnerships between schools and higher education institutions to improve STEM instruction. Drone curriculum can be a centerpiece for applied science and data-collection projects, helping educators connect physics, math, and environmental science to real-world applications. Learn more →
Perkins V: The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Provides significant funding for CTE programs at the secondary and postsecondary level. Schools can use Perkins funds to purchase drone equipment, build flight labs, train instructors, or integrate FAA Part 107 certification prep into existing CTE pathways like engineering, agriculture, and public safety. Learn more →
Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs Supports high-poverty schools in providing all students an opportunity to meet state academic standards. Title I funds can sometimes be used for supplemental STEM activities—such as introducing drone lessons that reinforce math, science, and technology concepts. Learn more →
National Science Foundation (NSF) – STEM Education Grants Funds initiatives that advance STEM education at all levels, including applied learning and workforce readiness. High schools and colleges can explore NSF opportunities to develop or research innovative drone programs that strengthen technical skills and STEM engagement. Learn more →
🎓 Private & Corporate Grants for Drone Education
Below are selective private-foundation and corporate grant opportunities that align with secondary, postsecondary, and CTE programs seeking to integrate drone curriculum, equipment, and training into their classrooms. These grants can help bridge financial gaps and support schools in preparing students for the growing drone industry.
AFCEA Educational Foundation – STEM Teacher Grants
Provides annual classroom grants (typically $500–$1,000) for innovative STEM programs in grades K–12, with emphasis on technology and engineering. Excellent fit for schools starting small drone programs or integrating UAS into physics, engineering, or tech courses. Learn more →
Best Buy Foundation – Teen Tech Center / Community Grants Provides grants for tech-driven learning programs for teens (13–18), focusing on hands-on STEM and digital skills. Drone education can serve as a centerpiece for teen tech labs, after-school programs, or CTE partnerships. Learn more →
Bosch Community Fund – eco + STEM / BEST Teacher Grants Supports sustainability and STEM initiatives that apply evidence-based teaching strategies. Ideal for drone projects related to environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, or sustainability research. Learn more →
Constellation Energy – E2: Energy to Educate Grants Awards up to $25k (K–12) or $50k (postsecondary) for energy-themed STEM projects. Drone mapping or analysis connected to solar, wind, or environmental data collection fits perfectly. Learn more →
Honda USA Foundation – Education Grants Provides programmatic grants ($25k–$100k typical range) for STEM and workforce development initiatives. A strong option for large-scale drone programs connecting technology, engineering, and future mobility careers. Learn more →
Motorola Solutions Foundation – Technology & Engineering Education Grants Funds nonprofit and school partnerships advancing technology, engineering, and public-safety education. Supports programs that teach real-world skills in public safety, emergency response, or technical innovation using drones. Learn more →
Northrop Grumman Foundation – STEM Education & Workforce Development Invests in programs that strengthen STEM pipelines and workforce readiness. Aligns closely with aerospace and UAS career preparation; suitable for CTE and college-level drone curriculum. Learn more →
T-Mobile Hometown Grants Provides up to $50k for community-driven projects in towns under 50,000 residents. Schools can apply (often via a municipal or nonprofit partner) to fund drone labs, outdoor flight spaces, or shared community tech centers. Learn more →
Toshiba America Foundation Supports teacher-designed STEM projects in grades 6–12. Ideal for teacher-led drone projects, labs, or engineering applications that give students hands-on STEM experience. Learn more →
Best Buy Foundation – Teen Tech Center / Community Grants Provides grants for tech-driven learning programs for teens (13–18), focusing on hands-on STEM and digital skills. Drone education can serve as a centerpiece for teen tech labs, after-school programs, or CTE partnerships. Learn more →
Bosch Community Fund – eco + STEM / BEST Teacher Grants Supports sustainability and STEM initiatives that apply evidence-based teaching strategies. Ideal for drone projects related to environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, or sustainability research. Learn more →
Constellation Energy – E2: Energy to Educate Grants Awards up to $25k (K–12) or $50k (postsecondary) for energy-themed STEM projects. Drone mapping or analysis connected to solar, wind, or environmental data collection fits perfectly. Learn more →
Honda USA Foundation – Education Grants Provides programmatic grants ($25k–$100k typical range) for STEM and workforce development initiatives. A strong option for large-scale drone programs connecting technology, engineering, and future mobility careers. Learn more →
Motorola Solutions Foundation – Technology & Engineering Education Grants Funds nonprofit and school partnerships advancing technology, engineering, and public-safety education. Supports programs that teach real-world skills in public safety, emergency response, or technical innovation using drones. Learn more →
Northrop Grumman Foundation – STEM Education & Workforce Development Invests in programs that strengthen STEM pipelines and workforce readiness. Aligns closely with aerospace and UAS career preparation; suitable for CTE and college-level drone curriculum. Learn more →
T-Mobile Hometown Grants Provides up to $50k for community-driven projects in towns under 50,000 residents. Schools can apply (often via a municipal or nonprofit partner) to fund drone labs, outdoor flight spaces, or shared community tech centers. Learn more →
Toshiba America Foundation Supports teacher-designed STEM projects in grades 6–12. Ideal for teacher-led drone projects, labs, or engineering applications that give students hands-on STEM experience. Learn more →
