YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, in partnership with Youngstown State University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, will host the second annual Northeast Ohio Future Pilots Drone Showcase on April 28.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at YSU Williamson Innovation Park, 8399 Tippecanoe Drive, Canfield.
The showcase is designed to provide students with hands-on flight experiences, real-world applications and direct connections to career pathways in drone technology and aviation.
“Opportunities like this give students a clear vision of what’s possible after graduation,” said Rob Eggleston, lead career counselor for the ESC of Eastern Ohio. “When they’re able to operate drones, interact with professionals and see the real-world applications firsthand, it transforms learning into something tangible. Events like this help students connect their education to meaningful career pathways.”
This year’s event will bring together 14 schools and more than 180 students from across the region, all participating in drone certification programs through the Unmanned Safety Institute. The students are working toward earning their FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot License along with critical safety certifications, positioning them for careers in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors.
“This event is about more than flying drones – it’s about launching futures,” said Sandy Furano, director of Innovative Workforce Pathways and Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments. “By connecting students with industry partners and real-world applications, we are helping them see the wide range of career opportunities available in the unmanned aircraft systems field. Northeast Ohio is building a strong talent pipeline, and these students are at the center of it.”
Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, engage with industry professionals and explore career pathways supported by a broad network of regional and national partners.
“This showcase represents the power of collaboration between education, workforce development and industry,” Furano said. “When students can apply what they’ve learned in a dynamic, hands-on environment, it not only builds confidence but also strengthens their readiness for high-demand careers.”
The event is made possible through the support of numerous partners, including Unmanned Safety Institute, Marcraft, United States Air Force, Warbuck’s Drone Services, Mahoning County Sheriff Drone Unit, Pitsco Education, Critical Ops, First Choice Drone Solutions, Austintown Fire Department Drone Team, Ground & Flight Media LLC, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Youngstown State Workforce Education and Innovation and Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates.
Pictured at top: Photo by James Cheney. (Pexels.com)