Vets to Drones
"From Service to Sky"
US 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded 2023 connecting military veterans to UAS/drone careers via free FAA Part 107 training, mentorship, and job placement.
Vets to Drones is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in February 2023, founded by veterans for veterans, with EIN 92-2105034. The organization's mission is to bridge the gap between military service and the commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry by providing transitioning service members with the skills, credentials, and community connections needed to launch careers in the drone sector.
The organization delivers free FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate preparation training, which is the federally required license to operate commercial drones in the United States. Beyond regulatory exam prep, Vets to Drones provides mentorship from established drone industry professionals, a nationwide job board connecting members to UAS employers, and a member network spanning the country with both enterprise and academic partners.
Programmatically, Vets to Drones operates across five mission areas: (1) Workforce Development — Part 107 prep, NIST standards training, hands-on flight scenarios, and job placement support; (2) K-12 STEM Gateway — bringing drone education into classrooms to introduce the next generation of pilots; (3) Disaster Response — training veteran crews to support communities during natural disasters using aerial reconnaissance; (4) Conservation — aerial survey and habitat mapping for environmental organizations; and (5) Recreational Therapy — using drone flight as a therapeutic tool for focus, calm, and veteran reconnection.
Leadership includes Founder and CEO Chris Lewis ([email protected]) and Director of Operations Ben Poulin. The organization works with a network of college, manufacturer, and industry partners to sustain the veteran UAS pipeline. Membership is free for veterans. Social media presence spans Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Contact Vets to Drones
WEBSITE
https://vetstodrones.org/HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2023
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Grant / Non-profit
Funding Total
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SPH Engineering and Vets to Drones Partner to Expand Career Paths for Military Veterans
SPH Engineering has launched a new training initiative in collaboration with Vets to Drones, aimed at equipping military veterans with advanced flight planning skills essential for surveying, mapping, and inspection work in the commercial drone industry. This partnership responds to the growing demand for skilled drone operators capable of managing complex missions. By providing veterans with specialized training, the initiative seeks to expand their career opportunities in a rapidly evolving field. The program highlights the commitment of both organizations to support veterans in transitioning to civilian roles while addressing the industry's workforce needs.
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