Colorado Drone Safety Initiative

Promoting Safe, Ethical, and Responsible Drone Use Through Education

Building STEM opportunity, workforce pathways, and public safety readiness across Colorado.

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Mission Snapshot

The Colorado Drone Safety Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safe, ethical, and responsible drone use through education, workforce development, and public safety support.

Our programs guide students from early STEM exposure through real-world skills while strengthening community safety and preparedness.

About Us

Who We Are

The Colorado Drone Safety Initiative (CDSI) was created in response to the rapid growth of drone technology and the need for structured, safety-focused education and training. While drones offer powerful benefits across education, industry, and emergency response, responsible use requires knowledge, discipline, and oversight.

CDSI exists to ensure that drone education in Colorado is accessible, professional, and grounded in safety and ethics—especially in rural and regional communities.

Our Approach

We operate through a progressive education and readiness model that grows with the student and aligns with real-world applications. Rather than offering isolated programs, CDSI provides a long-term pathway that connects education, workforce development, and public safety support.

Safety, compliance, and community partnership are embedded at every stage.

Programs

Early STEM Education (Elementary)

CDSI introduces drone-based STEM learning at the elementary level using turnkey educational programs designed for educators with little or no drone experience.

Focus areas include:

• STEM engagement

• Drone safety awareness

• Educator-supported curriculum

Drone Building & Racing (Middle School)

As students mature, CDSI emphasizes hands-on learning through drone construction and supervised racing programs.

Program outcomes include:

• Technical skill development

• Teamwork and discipline

• Safe FPV (First-Person View) piloting experience

A regional inter-school drone racing league is planned to support advanced student engagement.

Commercial Drone Training (High School)

High school programs introduce students to commercial drone applications, aviation regulations, and ethical operations.

Students may become eligible to obtain FAA Part 107 certification at age 16, enabling legal commercial drone work and early career opportunities.

Vocational & Workforce Pathways

Through industry mentorship and vocational training opportunities, CDSI helps students transition from education into employment, entrepreneurship, or continued education.

This pathway supports:

• Job readiness

• Small business development

• Retention of skilled talent in local communities

Public Safety Support

Supporting Public Safety Through Training & Readiness

CDSI promotes advanced training and readiness for pilots interested in supporting emergency response efforts. The initiative aims to maintain a regional registry of trained pilots who may assist public safety agencies when requested and under agency direction.

The Colorado Drone Safety Initiative works alongside public safety agencies by helping develop a pool of trained, safety-focused drone pilots who understand operational discipline, communication protocols, and regulatory compliance.

CDSI does not replace agency programs and does not self-deploy during emergencies.

Our goal is to enhance preparedness and reduce onboarding time—while respecting agency command structures and authority.

Community & Agency Partnerships

CDSI collaborates with:

• Schools and school districts

• Public safety agencies

• Aviation and STEM organizations

• Community and industry part

We believe meaningful impact happens through collaboration, not duplication.

Governance & Accountability

The Colorado Drone Safety Initiative is governed by a Board of Directors representing education, public safety, and community leadership. The organization follows best practices in nonprofit governance, financial stewardship, and risk management.

Safety, transparency, and accountability guide all operations.

Support the Colorado Drone Safety Initiative

Your support helps expand STEM education, prepare students for future careers, and strengthen public safety readiness across Colorado.

Ways to Support:

• Grants and foundation funding

• Community and business sponsorships

• Individual donations

• Program partnerships

Contact Us

Interested in partnering, supporting, or learning more?

📧 Email: CoDSI

📞 Phone: [your phone]

📍 Serving communities across Colorado