Germanna Community College has been awarded a grant of $561,000 to develop coursework for geospatial technology and unmanned aircraft systems training. Germanna will be in partnership with Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium to develop these programs.
More from Germanna Community College via a press release:
“With this NSF grant, we will be developing coursework in Geospatial Technologies and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, including an online drone pilot course and a course in UAS image analysis,” stated GCC Prof. Shawn Shields Lyons. “Other coursework will be developed as determined necessary by our community partners.
“We will also develop two stackable career studies certificates; one in Geographic Information Systems and Data Analytics, and another in Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” Shields Lyons stated. “We will be teaching faculty from various disciplines to fly drones and integrate geospatial/UAS applications into their courses as appropriate.”
Careers for students who complete career studies certificates include entry-level technician positions in geospatial technology, which generally include job titles such as geographic information systems technician, survey and mapping technician, geospatial information specialist, spatial data technician and similar jobs.
“They would also prepare graphic representations of the data and perform some degree of analysis to identify spatial relationships and then display results using maps, graphs, or tabular data,” Shields Lyons stated. Since job titles for these positions vary widely and are becoming increasingly non-specific, it is important to note that they most often include GT and UAS followed by words such as technician, operator, operation technician, pilot, mechanic, system or sensor integrator, data technician, and data informatics.
“Students will also have opportunities to participate in Service Learning projects related to GT and UAS,” she stated.
Internships for students will also be available.
Germanna Community College operates campuses in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.
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Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Stafford County offices, departments, and courts will open on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as the region recovers from the recent winter storm.
OmniRide has announced adjusted operations for Tuesday, January 7, in response to anticipated inclement weather conditions. Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) has also confirmed the suspension of all transit services…
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
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