Partners: Monterey Bay DART (Drone Automation & Robotics Technology)
The Central Coast is rapidly emerging as a key hub for advanced aviation, and a groundbreaking partnership between Hartnell College and Monterey Bay DART (Drone Automation & Robotics Technology) is ensuring that local residents are positioned to drive this growth.
The newly launched two-year regional workforce initiative is designed to connect Central Coast residents with high-paying, future-proof careers in drones, aerospace, and advanced aviation. By merging academic instruction with industry-aligned training, the pathway provides students with hands-on experience in drone systems, automated technologies, and robotics, preparing them for direct entry into these high-tech sectors.1
This pathway is particularly critical for the agricultural Salinas Valley, where technology is transforming traditional industries and creating demand for specialized, tech-forward roles. By targeting local residents—including those from underrepresented and agricultural backgrounds—the initiative opens up a clear, accessible route to high-paying careers in advanced transportation close to home.
“Establishing this pathway is about more than just teaching technology; it is about positioning our students at the forefront of a rapidly evolving regional economy,” says Juan Gonzalez, Dean of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development at Hartnell College. “Our collaboration with Monterey Bay DART connects classroom learning directly with industry-level innovation, giving students the tools to build long-term, high-wage careers.”
This is exactly the kind of ecosystem-level coordination BACCC works to support and scale across the Bay Area: community colleges partnering directly with regional employers and industry experts to translate emerging technologies into clear, equity-centered pathways. It is a model that directly delivers on Vision 2030 outcomes, proving that coordinated regional efforts create durable economic opportunities for students.
Read more about the drone and aerospace workforce initiative.