Miami, Fla., June 11, 2026 — Miami Dade College‘s (MDC) Homestead Campus celebrated the completion of its first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Dual Enrollment Cohort on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Eig-Watson School of Aviation.
The event marked a significant milestone in workforce education and aviation innovation as drone technology continues to transform industries across the country. MDC remains committed to developing innovative workforce programs that equip students with the skills, certifications and experiences needed to thrive in the careers of tomorrow.
The pioneering program was created to prepare high school students for careers in the rapidly expanding drone technology industry through a 16-credit College Credit Certificate aligned with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 standards.
Students from Homestead Senior High School and South Dade Senior High School completed rigorous, hands-on coursework in subjects including Private Pilot Technology and Aviation Meteorology. The program provided participants with college-level academic experience and industry-relevant skills that support emerging careers in logistics, construction, public safety, media and other high-demand sectors.
“Through our partnership with Homestead and South Dade Senior High schools, these juniors and seniors now have FAA-aligned training and the foundation to operate as legal remote pilots, opening doors in entrepreneurship, law enforcement and media,” said Dr. Simeon Richardson, dean of faculty, at MDC Homestead Campus. “Whether they enter the workforce or return to stack this certificate into a degree, they now have real options.”
Of the 15 students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, 12 successfully completed the program and earned college credit, positioning them for future educational and professional opportunities in aviation and technology. Graduates include:
- Frank Andres
- Jayden Arcia
- Jose Angel Arreola
- Cindy Betancourt
- Kevin David Lopez
- Avery Mariah Martir
- Jaretze Mercardo Pineda
- Aiyana Yvette Sawyers
- Ana Carla Soto
- Josue Vincent Valenzuela
- Santiago Zamudio
- Joshua Zeleya
The success of the inaugural cohort has paved the way for expansion, with 20 additional students expected to participate in future cohorts beginning in fall 2026.
This program is part of MDC’s Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade and Transportation, which oversees MDC’s School of Aviation. Learn more https://www.mdc.edu/aviation/