The Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Community College Drone Challenge (CCDC), a hands-on aerospace competition that engages Connecticut community college students in real-world engineering, design, programming, and flight operations.

Formerly known as the Community College Quadcopter Challenge, the CCDC is supported through CTSGC in partnership with NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and provides students with an exciting opportunity to work as part of a faculty-led team on a months-long drone design challenge.

Apply Early for Priority Consideration

Faculty team leaders and student team members are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received before October 23, 2026.

Interested participants should review the program requirements and submit their applications early to maximize opportunities for team formation and program planning.

Required Team Kickoff Event

Accepted teams will begin their Community College Drone Challenge experience at the official program kickoff:

📅 November 6, 2026
📍 New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT

The kickoff event will introduce participating teams to the challenge requirements, timeline, expectations, and resources available throughout the program.

At least one member of each accepted team is required to attend the kickoff event, although participation by the entire team is strongly encouraged. The event also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow teams, CTSGC staff, and members of Connecticut's aerospace and STEM community.

What Participants Will Experience

Throughout the challenge, student teams will gain hands-on experience in:

• Engineering design and systems integration
• Drone construction and modification
• Programming and autonomous operations
• Flight testing and piloting
• Data collection and analysis
• Project management and teamwork
• Technical presentations and communication

Teams will showcase their work through technical documentation, presentations, and live flight challenges while developing skills that support future STEM education and career pathways.

Program Goals

The Community College Drone Challenge is designed to:

• Increase student engagement and success in STEM fields
• Encourage transfer into four-year STEM programs
• Develop faculty expertise in aerospace and aeronautics topics
• Build technical, leadership, and teamwork skills
• Increase awareness of aerospace and aviation careers

Review the RFP

All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the current Challenge Request for Proposals (RFP) before applying:

2027 Community College Drone Challenge RFP
https://ctspacegrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-DroneChallenge-RFP-FINAL.pdf

Apply Today

Faculty/Team Leader Application

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019952b405a87265983bb61f0a6d35d9

Student Application

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019910280d6e7815b26e21d361ec7924

Note: Applications should be completed using a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile device submissions are not recommended.

Questions?

For questions about eligibility, team formation, participation requirements, or the application process, contact CTSGC:

📞 860-768-4890
✉️ csgcinfo@hartford.edu

Don't miss your chance to join Connecticut's premier community college drone competition. Gather your team, submit your application, and prepare to take flight with the 2027 Community College Drone Challenge!