The Aviation Studies program will be hosting a series of events throughout the state this summer to educate Mainers about Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), better known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft. The events will be held at all eight UMA Centers and at its Bangor Campus, and are free for participants.

Each event will include a 90-minute presentation about the program and will explain the different course offerings for non-credit, credit, certificate, and early college courses. Each presentation will also explain how individuals and organizations are using drones and what the future of the industry holds. The presentations will close with a Q&A session, followed by flying demonstrations of several of Â鶹APP aircraft (weather permitting).

UMA is the only university in Maine with an unmanned aerial system pilot training program and has already trained over 300 students in its basic Commercial Drone course. The program is adaptable to several different academic endeavors. Students may work towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with remotely piloted aircraft major; earn a 31-credit hour certificate in Unmanned Aerial Systems; or take the basic Commercial Drone course to prepare for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot certificate. The 31-credit hour UAS certificate is approved for financial aid for qualified students.

The schedule of UMA UAS events will be:

• UMA Rockland Center, Wednesday, July 13, 4 – 7 pm
• UMA Saco Center, Thursday, July 14, 1 – 4 pm
• UMA Ellsworth Center, Monday, July 25, 1 – 4 pm
• UMA Rumford Center, Wednesday, July 27, 9 am – 12 pm
• UMA Lewiston Center, Wednesday, July 27, 2 – 5 pm
• UMA Bangor campus, Eastport 103, Wednesday, August 3, 1 – 4pm
• UMA Houlton Center, Thursday, August 4, 1 – 4 pm
• UMA East Millinocket Center, Friday, August 5, 9am – 12pm
• UMA Brunswick Center, Friday, September 9, 12 pm – 3 pm

Anyone with an interest in learning more about Â鶹APP aviation program is welcome to attend at a location convenient to them.

First responders and other state agencies will find the information very useful in their operations. Others who will find the events useful and are encouraged to attend include K-12 STEM teachers, employers with drone needs and independent contractors who want to learn to fly drones. Real estate brokers, construction companies, and inspectors are also encouraged to attend this free informational event. Also, since UMA has an aviation pathway in its Early College program, the presentation will be ideal for high school students with an interest in aviation.

Updated 7/18/22

Each session will allow attendees to learn more about how UMA serves students statewide, specifics about the academic programs from faculty and students, and the free application process. Other topics covered will include financial aid and tuition costs including available scholarships for new and transfer students.

Anyone interested in starting or completing a college degree is welcome to attend one or more session. These information sessions are especially geared to adults with college credits but no degree, which currently includes approximately 189,000 Mainers (20% of the 25+ population).

“We welcome anyone who wants to explore what makes UMA an attractive option for starting or finishing their college degree,” said Brandy Finck, Associate Vice President for Admission and Student Financial Services. “About half of our new students in fall 2018 were traditional-aged recent high school graduates, but Â鶹APP average student age is in the mid-30’s. We know how to serve all students, no matter what their age might be, and no matter where they live in Maine.”

UMA is located on two campuses and delivers courses and services at eight outreach Centers located throughout Maine. UMA serves approximately 5,500 students annually, of which two-thirds (63%) are part-time, and 60% are 25 and older. Almost half (43%) are completing the majority of their coursework online, and 21% are taking courses at one of the UMA Centers.

Visit our page for more details, including directions to each location and a sign-up form.

UMA Information Session Schedule

Frank Zeller of the Rockland Career Center will offer a one-hour information session on CSSP at UMA Rockland on Thursday, March 7 from 12Ěý to 1 pm. All are welcome to attend and learn more.

CSSP financial support is available for those enrolled in certificate, two-year and four-year degrees with a focus on industry recognized credentials. Preference is given to those enrolled in skilled, well-compensated jobs with high employment demand. The Department of Labor developed a list of jobs considered high wage, in demand occupations.

The CSSP pays for tuition and fees that are not paid from other financial aid resources. The CSSP grant may also pay for other supports while you are in training, including childcare, transportation, books, supplies and equipment.

Students who are eligible can receive up to $6000 per year for full-time attendance and up to $3000 for part-time. Students may qualify for the grant for each year they remain in the training program.

CSSP funds are grant monies and do not have to be repaid.

The information session is free and open to any interested party. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required by calling UMA Rockland at 596-6906.