The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), which is a subsidiary of ARGUS International, Inc., has announced the first high school/college pathway partnership in Michigan between the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District (Char-Em ISD) and Northwestern Michigan College (NMC).

All parties involved with the launch of the program are excited about the potential opportunities it could provide to students looking towards potential career opportunities in unmanned systems.

“We are honored to welcome Northwestern Michigan College and Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District into our network of educational partners,” says Josh Olds, Vice President of Operations at USI.

Jim Rummer, Director of Career and Technical Education for the ISD, says, “we are thrilled about this partnership and believe it will open doors for our students to be better prepared for the many careers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drones.”

Finally, Alex Bloye, Aviation Division Director of Northwestern Michigan College, says, “the unmanned systems industry is in its infancy, and new opportunities are emerging every day.”

“With Char-Em and USI, NMC is proud to be at the forefront, preparing area students for, what are sure to be, very rewarding careers.”

An articulation agreement for the successful completion of USI’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System Safety Certification has been provided by NMC.

Included in USI’s program are a complete turnkey curriculum package with a 400-page academic textbook, course content packaged in USI’s digital Learning Management System, and instructor aids.

Char-Em ISD has adopted USI’s Small UAS Safety Certification program. High school students that participate in the Small UAS Safety Certification program through Char-Em ISD and acquire the industry certification will be allowed to continue to NMC’s UAS degree program with articulated credit.