News Releases
News Releases
2026-2027 News Releases
2025-2026 New Releases
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026CONTACT
Josh Metz
josh@mbdart.org
(831) 200-1969Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications
831-706-6971Monterey Adult School Launches Drone Training Courses to Prepare Students for FAA Commercial Drone Certification
MONTEREY, CA. - Monterey Adult School, in partnership with Monterey Bay Drones, Aviation and Robotics Technology (DART), is expanding career technical education opportunities with two new drone training courses designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing unmanned aerial systems industry.
Funded through a grant from the James Irvine Foundation administered by the Hartnell Foundation, the courses utilize curriculum developed by the University of California, Santa Cruz CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) and are open to both high school students and adult learners ages 16 and older throughout the Monterey Peninsula community.
Participants will gain foundational knowledge in drone operations, safety, regulations, and flight principles while preparing for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge Exam.
Two course options are being offered this summer:
Introduction to Drone Operations (Evening Course)
- June 30 through August 27, 2026
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Eight-week program totaling approximately 24 to 30 hours of instruction
- Location: Monterey Adult School
- Cost: $150 (scholarships are available)
- Enrollment: 18+ years, 10-20 participants (max)
Introduction to Drone Operations Boot Camp
- July 6-10, 2026
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Intensive one-week program
- Location: Seaside High School
- Cost: $200 (scholarships are available)
- Enrollment: Mixed community with 16+ years: 10-20 participants (max)
Scholarships are available for eligible participants to help ensure the program remains accessible to students and adult learners interested in exploring emerging technology careers.
"This program reflects Monterey Adult School's commitment to providing relevant, high-quality learning opportunities that connect students to real-world careers," said Beth Wodecki, Principal of Monterey Adult School. "Drone technology is transforming industries ranging from agriculture and construction to public safety and environmental research. We are excited to offer affordable pathways that help students and adult learners develop valuable technical skills and prepare for industry-recognized certification."
The courses are designed to serve a broad range of learners, including students from Monterey Peninsula Unified School District high schools, adult learners seeking career advancement, and community members interested in entering the drone industry. An MPUSD teacher with expertise in drone operations will provide instruction and support throughout the program.
"DART was created to expand access to emerging technology education and create pathways into high-demand careers," said Peter Church, Workforce Project Manager, MB DART. "Whether participants are exploring a new interest, preparing for a career change, or building skills for college and the workforce, this program provides hands-on learning and industry-aligned training that can open doors to exciting opportunities."
For more information about enrollment or scholarship opportunities, contact Monterey Adult School at (831) 645-1292 or visit MPUSD's Monterey Adult School website at Monterey Adult School Website.
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About Monterey Adult School
Monterey Adult School provides lifelong learning opportunities that empower students to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. Through innovative programs such as DART, the school continues to expand access to workforce training and career technical education opportunities that meet the needs of the region's evolving economy.
About DART
Established in the Monterey Bay tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, Drone, Aviation, and Robotics Technology (DART) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) for quality job growth and community vitality. We envision a future where all have an opportunity to benefit from UAS and AAM, both as a service and as a potential career path.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026Contacts:
Marci McFadden
Chief of Communications & Engagement
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
831-706-6971Shawn Anderson
Assistant to the President
Monterey Peninsula College
831-646-4114
Monterey Peninsula College STEM Center, STEAM & Robotics, Inc. Donate Robotics Equipment to MPUSD Career Technical Education Programs
Partnership expands hands-on STEAM and robotics learning opportunities for students at Marina High School and Los Arboles Middle School
Monterey, CA - Monterey Peninsula College STEM Center, in partnership with STEAM & Robotics, Inc., donated approximately $15,000 in robotics equipment to Career Technical Education programs within Monterey Peninsula Unified School District today.
The robotics equipment will support hands-on learning opportunities for students at Marina High School and Los Arboles Middle School, helping expand access to innovative STEM and robotics experiences that prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and related industries.
The equipment donation occurred today, with district and college representatives coordinating transportation and implementation at both school sites. MPC’s HSI-STEM grant, P031C2110155, supported the purchase of the equipment.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating meaningful, future-focused opportunities for students,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “We are incredibly grateful to Monterey Peninsula College STEM Center and STEAM & Robotics, Inc. for investing in our students and helping expand access to hands-on STEM learning experiences that inspire creativity, innovation, and career exploration.”
The donation supports MPUSD’s continued focus on Career Technical Education pathways and expanding student access to real-world, project-based learning opportunities.
“Our students thrive when they have opportunities to engage in hands-on, collaborative learning that connects classroom instruction to future careers,” said Tony Sanchez, Director of Career Technical Education, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “This robotics equipment will help strengthen our programs and provide students with valuable experiences in coding, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. We deeply value partnerships like this that help open doors for students.”
“Monterey Peninsula College values strong educational partnerships that create pathways and opportunities for students throughout our region,” said Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, Superintendent/President at Monterey Peninsula College.
“We are proud to collaborate with MPUSD and STEAM & Robotics, Inc. to help expand access to STEM education, while inspiring the next generation of innovators, creators, and industry leaders,” he added.
This collaboration between educational institutions and industry highlights the importance of community partnerships in supporting equitable access to STEM education and preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond.
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About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District serves approximately 9,200 students across Monterey County and is committed to ensuring all students graduate ready for college, career, and life. Through innovative programs and strong community partnerships, MPUSD continues to expand opportunities that support powerful teaching and learning for every student.
About Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California’s public community college system, is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities. Through initiatives like the MPC STEM Center, the college supports hands-on learning experiences that inspire innovation, strengthen career pathways, and prepare students for success in college, career, and beyond.
About STEAM & Robotics, Inc and SparkMakers
STEAM & Robotics, Inc and SparkMakers is committed to delivering outstanding programming that expands access to high-quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education. We strive to create equitable and inclusive learning environments that empower all learners, enrich our community, and build meaningful pathways to future opportunities, preparing individuals not just for today, but for tomorrow and beyond.