UC Santa Cruz — CITRIS / CIDER
Overview
UC Santa Cruz's CIDER program develops drone skills through practical learning and research support. It connects students, faculty, and industry partners around drone applications, including agriculture and the environment. Its campus pilot-training program serves UCSC students, while DUCC provides a separate route for high-school and community-college educators developing drone curricula across California. Researchers and agricultural partners can also discuss equipment, licensed pilot support, internships, and field projects. Eligibility, cohort dates, and support differ by program.
What they do
Student drone pilot training
Trains UC Santa Cruz students to fly drones safely, with FAA Part 107 preparation, flight practice, GIS and photogrammetry, and group projects, including an agriculture track and campus farm research.
Educator and professional drone training
Coordinates drone curriculum training for high school and community college educators across the Bay Area and northern Central Coast, and co-hosts week-long drone mapping training with UC ANR for people in research and agriculture.
Research and field partnerships
Supports research and teaching projects with drone equipment and licensed pilots, and works with agricultural and industry partners on drone services, research, internships, and student field experience.
Programs and services
Locations
- Host campus address University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States