Correspondent photos / Bob Jadloski ... Nearly 200 students from 14 area schools learn about drones Tuesday at the second annual Northeast Ohio Future Pilots Drone Showcase at Youngstown State University Williamson Innovation Park in Canfield. The showcase was hosted by the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio and YSU’s College of STEM.

CANFIELD — The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, in partnership with Youngstown State University STEM, hosted the second annual Northeast Ohio Future Pilots Drone Showcase on Tuesday at YSU Williamson Innovation Park on Tippecanoe Drive.

This year’s event brought together 14 schools and more than 180 students from across the region, all participating in drone certification programs through the Unmanned Safety Institute. These students are working toward earning their Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot License along with critical safety certifications — positioning them for careers in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors.

The showcase is designed to provide students hands-on flight experiences, real-world applications and direct connections to career pathways in drone technology and aviation.

“This event is about more than flying drones — it’s about launching futures,” said Sandy Furano, Director of Innovative Workforce Pathways & Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments. “By connecting students with industry partners and real-world applications, we are helping them see the wide range of career opportunities available in the unmanned aircraft systems field. Northeast Ohio is building a strong talent pipeline, and these students are at the center of it.”

Students had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, engage with industry professionals, and explore career pathways supported by a broad network of regional and national partners.

“This showcase represents the power of collaboration between education, workforce development and industry,” Furano added. “When students can apply what they’ve learned in a dynamic, hands-on environment, it not only builds confidence but also strengthens their readiness for high-demand careers.”

“Opportunities like this give students a clear vision of what’s possible after graduation,” said Rob Eggleston, lead career counselor for the ESC. “When they’re able to operate drones, interact with professionals and see the real-world applications firsthand, it transforms learning into something tangible. Events like this help students connect their education to meaningful career pathways.”

The event had support of numerous partners, including USI, Marcraft, U.S. Air Force, Warbuck’s Drone Services, Mahoning County Sheriff Drone Unit, Pitsco Education, Critical Ops, First Choice Drone Solutions, Austintown Fire Department Drone Team, Ground & Flight Media LLC, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Youngstown State Workforce Education and Innovation, and Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG).

Together, these organizations are helping to create meaningful career-connected learning experiences that prepare students for success in emerging technology fields, Furano said.