ABOUT US

Memo from the Founder

Welcome to Drone Cadets!

I’m truly grateful that you’re taking the time to explore what we have to offer at Drone Cadets.For me, this journey is deeply personal. The idea for Drone Cadets was born in one of the most unexpected places—inside the walls of Rikers Island. During my time working with Incarcerated individuals there, I saw first-hand the potential that people have, even in the most challenging circumstances. I witnessed an eagerness to learn, a desire for new opportunities, and the hunger for something that could help change their future. It was in those moments, within the confines of Rikers, that the seeds for Drone Cadets were planted. I realized that drones could be the tool to provide hope, skills, and a new path for individuals who needed a second chance.

At Drone Cadets, we are passionate about using drone technology to educate, elevate, and empower people from all walks of life. Drones are not just flying machines—they represent opportunity, innovation, and possibility. They can open doors to careers in technology, safety, engineering, and many other fields. My vision was, and still is, to provide individuals—whether young children, high school students, or adults in need of new opportunities—with the skills they need to succeed.

Our mission is to bring cutting-edge drone education to everyone, from young children in elementary school to adults looking for a new start. We’ve designed a range of programs for different age groups and backgrounds, ensuring there’s a place for everyone on this journey. Our curriculum isn’t just about learning how to operate drones. It’s about fostering creativity,teamwork, and problem-solving abilities—skills that are essential in today’s world. We are committed to building future professionals who are not only knowledgeable about technology but are also ready to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Drones are transforming industries globally, from public safety and agriculture to media and infrastructure inspection. This transformation creates countless opportunities, and I want to make sure that the people I work with—especially those from underrepresented communities—are equipped to seize those opportunities. Our programs provide hands-on experiences and industry-recognized certifications, setting participants on a path to meaningful and high-impact careers. At Drone Cadets, we bridge the gap between education and employment by creating structured pathways that ensure our students are job-ready,confident, and excited about their futures.

In my work at Rikers, I learned the value of second chances, and that belief is embedded in the heart of Drone Cadets. Our vision is one of inclusion—a future where people from underrepresented backgrounds have the opportunity to engage in this rapidly expanding industry.We want to help people see their own potential, using drone technology as a steppingstone toward achieving their dreams and contributing positively to society.

Thank you again for being part of this journey with us. Together, we will elevate aspirations,empower communities, and excel in building the next generation of drone pilots and innovators. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us.

Tony Reid,

Founder, Drone Cadets

About Drone Cadets

Drone Cadets is a dynamic educational organization dedicated to providing specialized courses in drone technology. Our mission is to bring high-quality, accessible, and impactful education in drone technology to individuals of all backgrounds. We equip participants with the skills, certifications, and knowledge they need to succeed in the ever-growing drone industry and related fields, while also focusing on the broader value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

We understand that drones are reshaping industries such as agriculture, public safety,construction, environmental monitoring, and media production. In response, ourcomprehensive programs range from foundational courses—which introduce participants to the basics of drone operation and safety—to advanced training that covers specialized applications like 3D mapping, thermography, and aerial photography. Our goal is to help our participant move from beginner to advanced levels with confidence, all while developing a deep understanding of safe, responsible, and ethical drone operations.Safety and compliance are at the core of everything we do. Our training is aligned with FAA regulations, and we place a strong emphasis on understanding airspace restrictions, conducting pre-flight safety checks, and ensuring visual line of sight (VLOS) during operations. In our programs, participants also learn about risk management, cybersecurity, and emergency response, providing them with skills that are critical for professional drone operations. In addition to providing drone-related skills, we focus on workforce development. By offering industry-recognized certifications—such as the FAA Part 107 for commercial drone pilots—we ensure our graduates are ready to enter the workforce with qualifications that are sought after by employers across various sectors. We also partner with schools, community organizations,and industry leaders to create pathways from education to meaningful employment.

Our work is about much more than just flying drones. It’s about using drones as a tool to inspire,empower, and provide opportunities. We strive to create an environment where learning is Nexciting and accessible for everyone. Drone Cadets is committed to transforming education through the integration of technology, creating an inclusive community where individuals from underrepresented backgrounds can gain the skills they need to pursue rewarding careers. Together, we are building a future where drone technology is a force for positive change, helping individuals reach their full potential, and contributing to the development of skilled professionals who will help shape tomorrow’s world.

Our Mission

Training 1 million drone pilots by 2035

At Drone Cadets, our mission is to empower and inspire the next generation of drone pilots by training 1 million individuals by the year 2035. We are committed to equipping underrepresented communities with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the drone technology industry, creating clear and impactful pathways from education to meaningful employment.

By providing comprehensive training in drone technology, safety, operations, and workforce readiness, we aim to break down barriers and foster diversity and inclusion within the industry. Our programs are designed to ignite curiosity, build technical proficiency, and develop critical thinking skills that are crucial for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape

Meet the Team

Our team is composed of a diverse group of dedicated educators, industry experts, and drone enthusiasts who share a common passion for providing quality drone education. Each member of our team brings a unique perspective, combining expertise in technology, aviation, engineering, and education. Together, we are committed to helping students unlock their potential and providing them with the skills needed to excel in a world increasingly driven by technology.

We work closely with schools, organizations, and local communities to deliver impactful training programs that truly make a difference. Whether it’s in the classroom, community centers, or hands-on workshops, our instructors are there to guide and inspire learners every step of the way. We also collaborate with industry leaders to ensure our curriculum aligns with the latest trends and demands, providing students with opportunities that go beyond learning to operate drones they learn to think creatively, solve problems, and become confident professionals.Our team is more than just instructors we are mentors, innovators, and champions of STEM education. Together, we strive to build an inclusive environment where learning is exciting and accessible to all, nurturing a future workforce that is ready to make a positive impact.

Why We Do This?

We do this because we believe in the transformative power of drone technology to change lives. Drones are more than machines—they are tools for education, career development, and economic growth. By teaching drone technology, we are not just training individuals to fly—we are empowering them with skills that are highly sought after across a wide range of industries.

Our mission is to provide these valuable skills to students, veterans, and those re-entering the workforce, especially those from underrepresented communities. We aim to create pathwaysthat lead to real opportunities—whether it’s finding a job, pursuing a career in technology, or starting a new business. We are creating opportunities that can change lives, lifting individuals from where they are to where they want to be.

We’re Building Future Professionals. Our programs are specifically designed to inspire, engage, and prepare individuals for successful careers in this rapidly evolving industry. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to unlock their potential, and at Drone Cadets, we provide the tools, guidance, and support needed to make that happen. Whether our participants are young students taking their first steps in technology, or adults looking for a new path, our programs give them the skills to excel. Drone Cadets is about more than drones—it’s about opening up new opportunities, fostering innovation, and giving people the confidence they need to succeed. Our ultimate goal is to build a future where our graduates are leading the way, driving innovation, and making meaningful contributions to their communities. Together, we are creating a generation of future professionals who are ready to make an impact, not only in the drone industry but in society as a whole.