The Frick Drone Innovation Program recently launched with a significant investment in public safety, workforce readiness and innovation at Sandhills Community College thanks to a generous gift from Edward R. Frick. The funding helped establish a new, high-impact drone training initiative that strengthens emergency response capabilities and prepares public safety professionals and workforce learners from various departments at the college, with industry-recognized credentials.

“I think drone technology and usage will change everything throughout many industries and are absolutely essential to modern day living, this is just the beginning,” said Frick in a press release. “It’s an emerging field which provides Sandhills opportunities to teach the necessary skills to operate drones to impact our lives.”

Frick said he believes drone operations will provide good opportunities for jobs and new ways to run businesses. 

“Things are moving so rapidly, and we need to take steps to ensure we’re ready. Drones are as revolutionary as robotics, and I just see this as a whole new breakthrough for various disciplines and industry. The list of applications and opportunities for drone use is limitless. We always need to ask ourselves – what is the next step, where are we going and how can we lead,” added Frick in a press release

The new drone program delivers immediate, measurable outcomes while laying the foundation for long-term program growth. The first class was held at the end of May 2026 with another scheduled for August 2026. With the donation for drone equipment and accessories, the funding will cover the cost of instruction and professional development. 

“What do drones do really other than give you a perspective on the world that you didn't already have… and that essentially is what education should do. It should broaden our minds. It should broaden our scope and broaden our vision of what's there,” Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, president of Sandhills Community College.

Courses include First Public Safety Drone Operations and FAA Part 107; training on deliverables for public safety drone operations; training focused on mission planning, safety, and emergency response applications; and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Training class preparing participants for the FAA knowledge exam. The Frick donation establishes a scalable foundation for future drone education and workforce pathways.

“We can always improve things and do a better job,” added Frick in a press release. “I always look for ways to get a plan, work hard and find how we can do better. The new drone initiative will do just that for students at Sandhills Community College. Dr. Michelle Bauer and Dr. Stewart are doing a remarkable job with their leadership at the college as well as being excellent stewards of funding. They have nothing but the best interests in mind for the students and the impact of technology and materials that will support the success of the students and their future careers. The students will be a significant force of change toward our futures.”

Registration for the next drone training class is available through the Sandhills Community College FundFive registration page.