Expansion will provide more students with access to aviation, drone technology and workforce-development opportunities
San Bernardino, California, September 17, 2026 - The UAS Center at SBD today announced a 20% expansion of its drone training programs offered through San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS). The expansion will increase enrollment capacity per cohort, further supporting the region’s workforce development. The expanded training cohorts will support adult students throughout San Bernardino County. Training introduces participants to drone technology, aviation safety, flight operations and the knowledge required to prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate examination.
“Demand for drone education and workforce training continues to grow across our region,” said Kimberly Benson, Administrator of the UAS Center at SBD. “By expanding each cohort by 20%, we can provide more students with the technical knowledge, practical experience and industry exposure they need to pursue careers in aviation, public safety, infrastructure, logistics and other sectors that increasingly rely on drone technology.”
The partnership combines the educational reach of SBCSS, which serves the largest county in the contiguous United States, with the UAS Center at SBD’s specialized facilities, instructors and operational experience. Students receive practical instruction in a professional aviation environment that emphasizes safety, responsible operations and career readiness.
“Expanding the drone training cohorts represents an important investment in the future workforce of San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “This partnership gives students an opportunity to develop relevant technical skills while discovering career pathways in an industry that is creating new applications and occupations throughout the region.”
Drone-related skills are increasingly being used in public safety, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, construction, surveying, agriculture, environmental monitoring, utilities, media and logistics. The expanded program is intended to help ensure that adult students throughout San Bernardino County can participate in these emerging opportunities.
The initiative advances the UAS Center at SBD’s three-part mission to advance drone technology, create safer communities and build the region’s workforce.
About the UAS Center at SBD
The UAS Center at SBD provides drone training, testing, research and operational support at San Bernardino International Airport. Through its Norton Test Range, the Center offers access to a complex testing environment that includes airport, urban, suburban, mountainous and critical-infrastructure settings. The Center works with educational institutions, government agencies, public-safety organizations, researchers and private-sector technology developers to support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems. For more information, visit www.uascentersbd.com.
About San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
The mission of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is to transform lives through education. Working in collaboration with school districts, families, community partners and other agencies, SBCSS provides leadership, advocacy and services to ensure equitable, innovative and inspiring educational practices. This endeavor is essential to the quality of life and economic vitality of our communities. For more information, visit https://www.sbcss.net.
Media Contact:
Amber Casarez, Marketing Manager
acasarez@sbdairport.com
(909) 382-4100, ext. 132