Salinas, CA – The James Irvine Foundation has awarded a $2 million grant to the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative to expand equitable access to high-quality jobs in aviation and drone technology.

Over the next two years, the grant will fund pilot training programs for Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators, helping to address workforce shortages while fostering diversity and inclusion in the rapidly growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

The University Corporation at Monterey Bay will serve as the fiscal agent for the project, strengthening its alignment with California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Through this collaboration, CSUMB students will benefit from hands-on internships and work-based learning opportunities, gaining critical experience in emerging aviation and drone technologies. 

“This partnership is a powerful example of how we can bring high-wage, future-focused career pathways directly to our students and the wider community,” said Dr. Marylou Shockley, Interim Dean of CSUMB’s College of Business.

The initiative will be carried out in partnership with CSUMB’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) and DART, emphasizing entrepreneurship, workforce equity, and regional resilience.

“This grant allows us to deliver high-impact training and workforce development programs that open doors for underserved communities,” said DART Executive Director Josh Metz.

In addition to launching training programs and internships, the initiative will support the annual LIFT Summit, a key gathering of industry leaders, educators, and policymakers working to shape a sustainable, tech-forward workforce for the Central Coast.

This is the third year CSUMB and DART have partnered to secure a grant from the James Irvine Foundation, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to this initiative. In 2022, CSUMB, DART, and Joby were awarded a $1.5 million James Irvine Foundation grant, and in 2023, DART and CSUMB were awarded a $1.9 million James Irvine grant for workforce development.

Cal State Monterey Bay and the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development are proud to partner with Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative to address challenges in workforce development, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement—paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for our communities and the state of California.