Drone program funding and credentials in Massachusetts
Part 107 isn’t on a DESE credential list, but three Chapter 74 frameworks already name drones in their skill standards. Perkins, Innovation Career Pathways grants, Chapter 30B and the student data privacy agreement.
Checked against official Massachusetts and federal sources on October 18, 2026. Programs and deadlines change; every item links to its source.
Is Part 107 a state credential here?
Not on a DESE credential list, but drones are named in three program frameworks
DESE’s essential credential lists for all 13 career clusters, and the credential lists in the Chapter 74 program frameworks, don’t include the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. The FAA credential that is listed is the airframe mechanic certificate for Aviation Maintenance.
Programs may choose to offer additional credentials beyond the essential list. Part 107 is a federal certificate, and students must be 16 to hold it.
Either way, the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate is a federal credential and what the FAA requires to fly a drone for work. Students must be 16 to hold it (14 CFR 107.61).
How a drone course fits
Frameworks that already name drones
The Environmental Science & Technology framework asks students to “use advanced environmental technologies, e.g., GIS, drones, remote sensing” for environmental monitoring. Horticulture names drones among the digital tools for monitoring plant health, and Public Safety covers drones in search and rescue along with “drones, and associated legal regulations.” A Part 107 course gives those programs the regulations, airspace and safety behind the skill.
Innovation Career Pathways
Pathways run in high schools in six sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Environmental and Life Sciences, and Information/Computer Science. Students should make progress toward an industry-recognized credential or college credit.
Where the money can come from
Perkins V
DESE’s FY27 secondary Perkins allocations (fund code 0400) total about $14 million across 81 recipients. Check the allocation list to see whether your district is one. DESE’s cost guidance allows student certification fees only with equitable selection criteria and pre-approval from its CCTE office, and doesn’t allow license or certification fees for an individual student.
Innovation Career Pathways grants (0419)
State implementation grants for already-designated pathways (districts designated 2022–2026). Allowable costs include curricular development, instructional supplies and materials, and industry-recognized credentials. Equipment and multi-year subscriptions are not allowed, and the grant page also says funds may not be used for subscription purchases to software platforms. A one-year course license may fit as curriculum or materials; confirm with DESE before budgeting it. The FY27 application closed July 17, 2026.
Federal sources that apply in every state, such as Title IV-A, are on the main funding page.
Buying and student privacy
Chapter 30B thresholds
Under $10,000, a district uses sound business practices, usually a purchase order. School districts need written quotes from at least three suppliers from $10,000 to $100,000, and sealed bids or proposals above that.
Student data privacy agreement
Many Massachusetts districts use the student data privacy agreement coordinated by TEC, a multi-state version of the National Data Privacy Agreement. Once a vendor has signed it with one district, other member districts can join by signing a one-page Exhibit E. Drone Edge doesn’t have a signed agreement yet. If your district needs one, tell us and we’ll work through it with you.
Dates to plan around
- February 4, 2027Part B applications for the 2026-27 Innovation Career Pathways designation cycle.
- March 5, 2027Part B applications for new Chapter 74 programs starting in 2027-28.
- WinterMost districts approve next year’s program of studies.
Drone Edge doesn't administer grants and can't guarantee eligibility or awards. Your business office, grants team and state agency have the final word. We supply program descriptions, quotes and budget lines.
Planning a program in Massachusetts?
Drone Edge is a three-track program: Part 107 available now · Drone Building early access January 2027 · Creative and AI complete the program for 2027–28. We'll walk through your program, class size and timeline, and send one quote with its lines grouped the way your funding sources need them.
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