The Mancos School District’s drones program has become a cornerstone of its career and technical education pathways, thanks to a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics and the instructors who helped shape it.
Over four years, the program has grown from a fledgling initiative into a pathway that offers college credits, industry certifications and hands-on experience with advanced drone technology.
Offered as a concurrent enrollment course through Pueblo Community College, students earn both high school and college credits.
Led by credentialed instructor Jason Witt, the program equips students with a fleet of industry-standard drones. The career fleet includes models such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3 Pro, two DJI Avata 2 VR drones and four DJI Mini 4 Pros, used in construction, agriculture, real estate and emergency services.
A training fleet of eight DJI Mini 3 Pros helps students hone piloting skills before advancing to complex equipment and missions.
“Equipped with these tools, students gain workforce-ready skills while also building connections with local industry partners, opening doors to internships and work-based learning opportunities,” the district said in a newsletter.
Every student earns their FAA TRUST Safety Certificate and can prepare for the FAA Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot test, a license for commercial drone operation. Six students have taken the exam; three earned their licenses. Students must be at least 16 to take the test, posing a challenge for younger participants.
CTE and HR Director Janet Fogel said the drone program is free for students and includes preparation for the FAA Part 107 license exam, which they take in Durango. Those who pass earn a commercial drone pilot license.
Fogel praised Witt’s impact on the program.
“He’s been really good with our program, and just really connects with the students and builds good relationships,” Fogel said. “He has just taken this program to a whole other level.”
Senior Kaden Anderson earned his Part 107 license and now mentors in Witt’s classroom. He also interns with Witt’s real estate business, The Witt Group, and produced a video thanking CDOT for supporting the program.
Another graduate is pursuing a college degree in drone technology, and a previously certified student renewed their certification with Witt last year.
Eight students are currently enrolled. Fogel said small class sizes allow for personalized instruction.
“We like to keep that class a little bit smaller,” Fogel said. “Having each of those students with a drone in their hands flying, it can get crazy really fast. It’s really hard for the one instructor to manage all of those students at the same time … he can put more of his one on one time with those students when he has smaller classes.”
Witt also teaches business and entrepreneurship. Fogel said the drone program reflects the district’s commitment to innovation and workforce readiness, offering students practical skills through courses aligned with current industry standards.
“We extend our gratitude to CDOT’s Division of Aeronautics, our instructors and especially our students who continue to make the Mancos Drones Program a success,” the district said.
