Students Complete Groundbreaking Drone and CAD Program in Partnership with Industry Leaders

Fourteen Longwood High School students were honored recently for completing the first-ever Drone and CAD pilot program—an innovative 20-week initiative designed to prepare students for high-demand energy, technology, and infrastructure careers.

District leaders recognized the students’ hard work, professionalism, and commitment to mastering emerging technologies at a special graduation ceremony.

“You didn’t just learn about drones—you learned how they’re transforming industries. You didn’t just study CAD—you applied it to real-world problems,” said Director of College and Career Pathways Scott Schuster. “Most importantly, you gained skills that will give you a competitive edge in your future. This program is a shining example of what’s possible when we unite around a shared vision, and our students are walking away with more than knowledge; they’re walking away with opportunity.”

The program was made possible through a powerful collaboration between education, industry, and workforce development partners.

Thank you to our partners, the Haugland Group, whose investment in local career pathways—including the Taste of the Trades initiative and the Drone and CAD pilot—has helped connect students to real-world opportunities near the Sunrise Wind project.

In addition, the Economic Development team at Stony Brook University played a pivotal role in bringing the program to life alongside training providers Drone Cadets and WhyMaker, who delivered student-centered, skill-driven instruction. Students completed the program with hands-on experience, paid work opportunities, mentorship, and preparation for the FAA Part 107 drone certification.

Support from the Suffolk County Department of Labor’s Youth Employment Program allowed students to “earn while they learn,” reinforcing the community’s investment in their futures.

As the district looks to expand similar programs, the success of the Drone and CAD initiative stands as a model for connecting passion with purpose and education with real-life opportunity.