Embry-Riddle Student Wins National Drone Industry Scholarship

Tatenda Gondo receives the Empower Path to Leadership scholarship for his work in the commercial drone sector.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Scholarships

Embry-Riddle Student Wins National Drone Industry Scholarship

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Tatenda Gondo, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has been named the winner of the second annual UAV Empower Path to Leadership Event Scholarship. The award recognizes his work as a ground support operator and his commitment to the drone industry.

Why it matters

The scholarship program aims to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across the commercial drone sector. By providing recipients with access to the Commercial UAV Expo, the initiative connects emerging talent with industry professionals.

This marks the 2nd year of the scholarship program sponsored by CubePilot and NW Blue. The award provides recipients with the opportunity to attend the Commercial UAV Expo to network with industry leaders.

The players

Tatenda Gondo

He is a master's student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a drone ground support operator.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

This is a private university located in Florida that specializes in aviation and aerospace education.

Wing

This is a drone delivery company and subsidiary of Alphabet that provides autonomous aerial transport.

The details

Gondo currently serves as a ground support operator and visual observer for Wing, working through contracts with Qualrec and Randstad. Beyond his professional role, he has been inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success as he continues his master's studies.

Summer 2027: Gondo plans to apply for a professional internship with Wing.
December 2027: Gondo expects to complete his master's degree.

Culture Shift

This award marks a trend of increasing professionalization in the field, following a pattern set by the FAA's Part 107 remote pilot certification standards. The scholarship highlights the move toward formal education pathways within the rapidly maturing drone industry.

Students pursuing aerospace careers in Florida can monitor annual industry grant cycles to help fund their graduate programs. These awards often provide crucial networking access to major trade expos that can lead to long-term internships and professional placement.

The takeaway

Gondo intends to use his industry experience to eventually pitch an autonomous agricultural drone business within the next three years. Aspiring professionals should look for industry-specific scholarships that pair tuition assistance with professional networking opportunities.