Left to Right, Travis Graham, PTC Superintendent; Jim Lawson, Assistant Director of Business and Industry Services; Shawn Howard, Director, Roads & Environmental; Brent Balch, PTC Assessment Center Coordinator & Drone Instructor

Ada, OK (Jan. 26, 2024) – Pontotoc Technology Center (PTC) received a generous equipment donation from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation today. The donation will serve to expand program capabilities to prepare students in the field of drone operations. Our program currently teaches a variety of applications for drone technology, including photography, surveying, plotting, and more.

“We’re in the process of evaluating our equipment and needs. When we find surplus our goal is to find the best possible use for the resources available. In this case, the drone program at PTC seemed a logical choice,” said Shawn Howard, Director, Roads & Environmental for Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

PTC Assistant Director of Business and Industry Services, Jim Lawson said, “We’re excited about adding this DJI Matrice 30 to our inventory. The students interested in obtaining their Part 107 Certification for commercial drone flight will utilize this new equipment in their training process.” Pontotoc Technology Center regularly hosts short-term courses for drone pilots and extends the option to interested full-time high school and adult students.

Jim Lawson and Brent Balch assemble the donated equipment in the classroom.

“We’re thankful for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s donation. Having additional equipment like this allows us to expand our flight hour capabilities for students to get the hands-on experience they need,” said Brent Balch, PTC Assessment Center Coordinator and Drone Instructor.

About PTC: Pontotoc Technology Center is a public career and technology education center located in Ada, Oklahoma. Pontotoc Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the Title IX (titleix@pontotoctech.edu) and 504 (rjohns@pontotoctech.edu) non-discrimination policies at 601 West 33rd Street, Ada, OK 74820 | 580-310-2200.