Drone program funding and credentials in Pennsylvania
FAA Part 107 is new on PDE’s 2026-27 industry credential list (code 1316). Perkins, the state equipment grant, PAsmart and EITC, and what each can pay for.
Checked against official Pennsylvania and federal sources on October 18, 2026. Programs and deadlines change; every item links to its source.
Is Part 107 a state credential here?
On PDE’s 2026-27 industry credential list as code 1316
The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) was added to PDE’s industry credential list (PIMS Appendix Q) for 2026-27 as code 1316. It wasn’t on the 2025-26 list.
It is aligned to one program code: CIP 10.9999, Communications Technologies (multimedia and media production). A program approved under that code can report it as a CTE credential once the credential is selected for the program in CATS.
Students outside a 10.9999 program can still have the certificate reported through PDE’s template for non-CTE students. For non-CTE students, PDE’s guidance lets the district decide which industry-recognized credentials count toward the Future Ready PA Index industry-based learning indicator.
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
Adding Part 107 to another CTE program
A CTE program under a different code (engineering, electromechanical, criminal justice) can apply to PDE to add the credential for its own CIP. Applications are due November 30 each year for the following school year. The CTE director signs the application, and it needs current Occupational Advisory Committee minutes showing employers need the credential. Only the school can file. We can help you gather the employer evidence.
Future Ready PA Index for every high school
Every LEA reports whether its 12th graders earned an industry-recognized credential. For non-CTE students the LEA decides which credentials qualify, as long as they fit the student’s career pathway and regional or national workforce demand. Part 107 being on PDE’s own list makes that case easier.
Where the money can come from
Perkins V
Pennsylvania’s tentative 2026-27 secondary Perkins allocations total about $34 million, split across about 100 recipients. Perkins goes to districts and career and technical centers with approved CTE programs, so if your students attend a CTC, ask the CTC about its Perkins plan.
CTE Supplemental Equipment Grant
A non-matching state grant for districts and CTCs with PDE-approved CTE programs. It buys equipment with a $3,000 minimum unit cost. Software, computers and curricula are not eligible. The 2026-27 application closed September 17, 2026.
PAsmart
PDE’s competitive CTE grants for districts, CTCs, intermediate units and colleges. The 2026 round offered CTE planning grants of up to $75,000 and innovation grants of up to $500,000, and closed May 8, 2026. Check the official PAsmart page for the next round and use the exact title from the notice in your application.
EITC through an education foundation
Businesses earn a Pennsylvania tax credit of 75% to 90% of their donation, up to $750,000 a year, when they donate to an approved Educational Improvement Organization. Ask your district’s education foundation whether it’s an approved EIO.
FAA Aviation Workforce Development grants
Federal competitive grants that have funded high school drone pathways in Pennsylvania. The School District of Philadelphia received $197,180 in FY 2023 for pilot and drone training at Frankford High School. The FY 2026 round closed in June 2026; watch Grants.gov for FY 2027.
Federal sources that apply in every state, such as Title IV-A, are on the main funding page.
Buying and student privacy
Purchase thresholds
For calendar 2026, the Public School Code limits are $13,200 for written or telephone quotes and $24,500 for an advertised public bid. Labor & Industry adjusts them every year. A program for one school usually comes in under the quote threshold, so it’s a purchase order.
Dates to plan around
- November 30Credential applications to PDE for the following school year.
- WinterMost boards approve next year’s program of studies, so a fall course needs a proposal to the curriculum office early.
- SpringPerkins plans and equipment purchases for the next school year.
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 Pennsylvania?
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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