Nationwide — Steffanie Rivers, founder of TCB Drones Academy, made history as the first Black woman to register a drone academy in the state of Texas. Now, she’s paying it forward — offering a $1,000 Drone Pilot Scholarship to help more minorities and women enter one of the fastest-growing industries in America: drone technology.
Rivers, an FAA-certified drone instructor, is using her platform to create pathways for those who might not otherwise see themselves in aviation, STEM, or tech fields. Her vision is simple — to take flight and bring others along.
“We’re not just teaching people to fly drones — we’re helping them take control of their financial future,” says Rivers. “Representation matters, and this scholarship helps open the skies for everyone.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Drone Professionals
The TCB Drones Academy provides comprehensive training, FAA Part 107 certification prep, and drone business startup coaching. The $1,000 scholarship — awarded monthly — helps aspiring pilots take the first step toward certification and entrepreneurship.
Applicants can apply online by sharing how drone training could change their career or community.
Building Representation in the Skies
For Rivers, this initiative isn’t just about flying drones — it’s about creating equity in tech, aviation, and innovation. Her goal is to increase visibility and participation of minorities in drone technology while breaking stereotypes about who belongs in this field.
The scholarship also highlights TCB Drones Academy’s continued mission to educate, empower, and elevate the next generation of drone professionals — turning passion into purpose and training into income.
How to Apply
Those interested can visit TCBDrones.com and click on “Apply for the $1,000 Drone Pilot Scholarship.” Applicants are encouraged to share a short statement on how drone training could help them reach their goals. Winners are announced monthly through the brand’s official social media channels.
About TCB Drones Academy
Founded by FAA-certified pilot Steffanie Rivers, TCB Drones Academy is a Dallas-based aviation training organization dedicated to diversity, education, and entrepreneurship. The academy provides online and in-person training programs, empowering individuals and organizations to explore the opportunities of drone technology safely and professionally.
For business inquiries, contact support@tcbdrones.com
For press inquiries, contact Team Vision Media at TeamVisionLLCGroup@gmail.com