Empower Leadership Scholarship | Commercial UAV Expo

Path to leadership event scholarship program

September 1-3, 2026 | Caesars Forum | Las Vegas

Overview

The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship aims to empower and support university students passionate about using Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)/drones for social good and to create an inclusive, diverse, and accepting community of professionals in the commercial drone industry. Through this event scholarship program, we seek to foster innovation, in-person knowledge exchange, and access to mentoring and networking opportunities within the field of commercial drone technology and its applications for positive societal impact.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Timeline

Commercial UAV Expo Path the Leadership Event Scholarship is now open!

Deadline: May 1, 2026

Applicants will be notified of their status no later than July 1, 2026.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship recipients (up to three) will be granted the opportunity to attend Commercial UAV Expo, a leading global event dedicated to the commercial drone industry.

Benefits for Scholarship Recipient:
- Each selected student will receive a full conference pass, inclusive of access to all sessions, keynotes, workshops, and networking events (up to $1,275 value).
- Hotel accommodations include a complimentary hotel stay (3 nights in official event hotel)
- Travel stipend for airfare and ground transportation up to $1000 to cover associated travel costs
- Mentorship meet-ups onsite with commercial drone professionals in leadership positions
Eligibility: This scholarship is open to university students who are currently residing in the U.S. and completing their studies at a U.S.-based institution. Students must demonstrate a commitment to leveraging drone technology for positive social impact within the commercial drone industry. This scholarship is open to all students and majors and encourages applications from students who are traditionally underrepresented in the drone industry who are culturally, ethnically, or racially diverse. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
Selection Criteria: Recipients will be selected based on their academic achievements, demonstrated passion for drone technology and social impact, leadership potential, their commitment to fostering diversity initiatives within the commercial drone industry, and the clarity of their vision for utilizing drones for positive change.
Application Process: Interested students are required to submit an application including a personal statement outlining their interest in drone technology and its potential for societal benefit, relevant experiences, and a letter of recommendation.
Scholarship Committee: The scholarship program will be overseen by industry experts, with extensive experience in drone technology, social impact, diversity initiatives, and education who will play a crucial role in evaluating applications, selecting scholarship recipients, and providing guidance to ensure the program’s success and impact.

Objectives

Provide deserving students with access to invaluable learning and networking opportunities at Commercial UAV Expo while actively contributing to increasing diversity initiatives within the commercial drone industry.
Foster a community of passionate individuals dedicated to utilizing drone technology for positive societal change and promoting inclusivity within the industry.
Encourage innovation and creativity in leveraging drones for various social impact initiatives while empowering younger generations to have access to opportunities in the field.

The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for university students to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of drone technology and contribute to meaningful social change. By investing in the next generation of drone innovators, we aim to catalyze positive transformations using drones for good to create a brighter future for communities worldwide.