College of DuPage awarded $4 million federal grant to expand aviation and drone programs
College of DuPage has been awarded a $4 million grant through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to support and expand its Aviation Management and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs.
The college is one of a reported 17 community colleges to receive FIPSE funding.
Over the next four years, the grant will fund the development and expansion of short-term, for-credit aviation and UAS workforce certificates while expanding internships and apprenticeship opportunities for students.
The certificate programs — ranging from eight to 15 weeks — will prepare students for careers in aviation operations, dispatch, airport management, flight instruction and UAS technician roles.
COD also will launch new employer-validated programs and invest in enhanced program resources, technology and personnel to support student learning and program growth.
COD President Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi emphasized the grant’s role in creating pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers.
“This transformative grant from the U.S. Department of Education allows College of DuPage to significantly expand our aviation and drone technology programs, addressing critical workforce shortages in these high-demand fields,” he said. “By investing in advanced simulation equipment, personnel and employer-aligned short-term certificates, we are creating accessible pathways to high-wage careers while strengthening the region’s aviation talent pipeline.”
COD currently offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Aviation Management with two academic pathways.
The flight track prepares students to earn Federal Aviation Administration pilot certifications for careers as professional pilots, while the aviation management track introduces students to a range of ground-based careers across the aviation industry.
Learn more about Aviation Management at cod.edu.
College of DuPage is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving more than 28,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.