Dr. Linda Burbidge, Jo Leader, and Michelle Cauley presenting at NSF-ATE PI Conference

Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is making progress through the National Science Foundation ATE grant awarded in 2023 by the U.S. government’s independent science agency. The three-year initiative is focused on strengthening the rural ND workforce by preparing highly skilled small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) technicians through education and hands-on training.

Serving a rural population, DCB identified a growing need for qualified sUAS technicians. In response, DCB has prepared a stackable certification program in drone technology scheduled to start Spring 2025 semester. It is incorporated into two-year degrees in Natural Resources, Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, and Business. These short-term, industry programs may be earned separately or in conjunction with other programs, eventually leading to a higher-level certificate or degree.

The NSF ATE program supports the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Because two-year community and technical colleges are the leading sources of technician education in the US, faculty from these colleges have had leadership roles in most ATE funded projects. As part of the grant, DCB instructors Dr. Linda Burbidge, Michelle Cauley, and Jo Leader presented at the NSF-ATE PI Conference held in Washington, DC, this fall. This presentation will help other schools replicate DCB’s success in creating a bootcamp. 

As part of the grant-supported efforts, DCB hosted an industry bootcamp in 2025, providing current professionals in agriculture, natural resources, and other related industries with experience in real-world applications using drones. Designed for success in three parts: online learning, hands-on flight training, and a post-project, participants are equipped with practical skills that can be used in their workplace. A second session is scheduled for Spring 2026, registration open January 1 – February 4, with the online portion of the bootcamp beginning February 9, 2026.

DCB’s ATE initiatives continue to expand opportunities for rural learners and employers, reinforcing the college’s commitment to innovation and workforce development in North Dakota.