Blinn College to showcase high-flying technology at Drone Fest on April 17

Free event will feature live demonstrations, career insights, and hands-on learning opportunities

April 2, 2026

The Blinn College District is inviting community members, prospective students, and industry partners to explore the fast-growing world of drone technology during Drone Fest on Friday, April 17, at the Brenham Campus.

Free and open to the public, Drone Fest begins at 9 a.m. and will feature interactive presentations inside the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation (STEI) Building (900 Prairie Lea Street), along with live flight demonstrations at Spencer Field, located across the street. Attendees are encouraged to come and go throughout the event.

Designed to showcase Blinn’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Technician Program, Drone Fest offers a unique opportunity to see drone technology in action, connect with faculty, and learn how students can prepare for high-demand careers in this rapidly evolving field.

“Drone technology is transforming industries ranging from agriculture and infrastructure to public safety and logistics,” said Victoria Fowler, Dean of Mathematics, Business, Engineering, and Technology. “Drone Fest gives our community a chance to experience this technology firsthand while learning how Blinn prepares students for careers in this exciting and growing field.”

Blinn’s program, offered at the Brenham Campus, includes an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and Level-1 and Level-2 certificates, providing flexible entry points for students at any stage of their educational journey.

“Our program is designed to meet students where they are,” Fowler said. “Whether they are looking to quickly gain workforce skills through a certificate or pursue a full degree, students benefit from hands-on training and industry-relevant instruction that prepare them for immediate employment.”

Drone technicians are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and operating unmanned aerial vehicles used in a wide range of applications, from aerial photography and surveying to emergency response and cargo transport. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2024 median annual salary for these professionals was $79,140.

In addition to students and families, Drone Fest is an excellent opportunity for local businesses, public agencies, and community organizations to learn how drone technology can support their operations and workforce needs.

Registration to the come-and-go demonstration is available at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/qb5M8Wzikr.