The Fullerton Drone lab will be featured as one of the program highlights, showing how hands-on training, industry certifications and direct workforce pathways\u00a0prepare students for high-demand careers in the rapidly growing drone and autonomous systems industry\u00a0by combining classroom instruction and training with employer partners. With 11 specialized certificate programs, students gain practical technical skills aligned with real-world employer needs.\u00a0Jay Seidel, director of the Fullerton Drone Lab,\u00a0discusses\u00a0the\u00a0experiential learning\u00a0opportunities\u00a0through industry-grade equipment, live field operations and partnerships with public safety agencies, utilities, aerospace\u00a0companies\u00a0and technology organizations throughout Southern California.\u00a0Internships and apprenticeships with the program\u2019s industry partners in the region help students prepare for employment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This new\u00a0episode,\u00a0titled \u201cTomorrow\u2019s Innovation Economy,\u201d\u00a0interviews Seidel and student Blake Castillo, exploring the program\u2019s offerings and opportunities from\u00a0student\u00a0and faculty perspectives.\u00a0Seidel\u00a0and Castillo\u2019s testimonies speak to Fullerton College and OC World\u2019s collaborative efforts to capture the\u00a0intersection of education and economic innovation\u00a0while\u00a0spotlighting\u00a0how our\u00a0programs\u00a0equip\u00a0the\u00a0youth and young adults with the skills needed for tomorrow\u2019s workforce.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis episode provides a look at the Fullerton College Drone Lab and what we offer,\u201d said Seidel, \u201cThe perspective from Blake Castillo, a Drone Lab graduate and now a student in the bachelor\u2019s program, helps share insight for students to hear and know they too can be a part of this growing and innovative program.\u201d<\/p>\n
OCCF and OC World invite everyone to explore \u201cThe Power of Community,\u201d a series that promises to inspire change and\u00a0elevate the voices of those making a difference. By sharing stories of perseverance and promise, this series serves as a catalyst for dialogue and action, encouraging audiences to connect with local efforts that are making a meaningful and lasting difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n For more information on \u201cThe Power of Community\u201d series, please visit\u00a0www.oc-cf.org\/POC<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The episode will be available for viewing on OC World\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>. <\/p>\n About the Fullerton Drone Lab\u00a0<\/p>\n The Fullerton Drone Lab teaches students to become better and safer pilots with hands-on practice in various industries. Students from all industry sectors can learn how drones can help enhance their\u00a0workplace,\u00a0while\u00a0learning to be safer in the skies. The program is recognized by the FAA as part of its\u00a0Collegiate Training Initiative. It has been\u00a0a\u00a0certified\u00a0Service Provider by the\u00a0Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems\u00a0International.\u00a0It has also received\u00a0certification\u00a0by\u00a0ASTM International\u00a0as a Certified Training Provider.\u00a0Learn more about the program and its offerings on the\u00a0Fullerton Drone Lab website<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n About Orange County Community Foundation\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) transforms our community\u2019s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good by\u202fworking with local donors and nonprofit partners as an expert advisor and innovator. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists,\u00a0facilitate\u00a0grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives.\u202fOCCF\u2019s\u202fVision 2030<\/a>, a five-year strategic plan, is designed to amplify giving and support donors\u2019 philanthropic goals as well as address critical needs in Orange County. Since 1989, OCCF has granted more than\u00a0$1.25 billion\u00a0in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit\u202foc-cf.org<\/a>\u202for call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on\u202fFacebook<\/a>,\u202fLinkedIn<\/a>, and\u202fInstagram<\/a>. View OCCF\u2019s 2025 annual report\u202fhere<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n # # #\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/72b7470f35e5c94eff81d6a4-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>For Castillo, the Fullerton Drone Lab has been an empowering experience with a plethora of career-building opportunities. As one of the students to join the bachelor\u2019s degree\u2019s inaugural cohort, he is ready to specialize his craft with the knowledge and credentials to dive into the industry. <\/p>\n