Enhancing the Region through New Technology for Unmanned Systems

Localities: County of Alleghany; City of Covington

Enhancing the Region through New Technology for Unmanned Systems worked with Mountain Gateway Community College (formerly Dabney S. Lancaster Community College) to build a unique and innovative partnership in the college's service region and sought funding in a new drone technology program to meet the needs of the Alleghany Highlands Drone Zone. The project created 18 high-wage jobs and attracted three to five new businesses to the area. The project focused on exhibiting pathways to middle and high school students in the region, so students become aware there are a growing number of interesting, challenging, and rewarding jobs available and what the foundational knowledge and skill sets needed to perform these jobs are in the region. Funds were used to purchase and roll out drone technology training courses to develop the Alleghany Highlands Drone Zone program to train students for potential employers.

For more information, please email John Rainone.