The program An Experiential and Data-driven Approach to Agricultural Education (ADVANCE) is a face-to-face professional workforce development opportunity that provides educators with the knowledge, experience, curriculum resources, supplies/equipment, and mentoring to support the implementation of drones and precision agriculture concepts in the classroom.

This is primarily a hands-on, field-based professional development program. After completing the ADVANCE program (which includes both virtual and face-to-face instruction), participants will be FAA remote pilot certified, knowledgeable, and experienced in implementing a complete drone-based data collection workflow.

Educators will receive a stipend, a mini-grant, free virtual training (in preparation for the remote pilot test), paid registration for the FAA's remote pilot certificate, face-to-face instruction, & more!

All expenses are covered (except for travel to/from the workshop in Blacksburg).

Target Audience: High school educators and/or 2-year college faculty teaching STEM-related courses (agriculture, forestry, biology, environmental science, robotics, or related topics). Applications from CTE teachers are encouraged. Applications from educators at the same school/school district are encouraged (separate applications are needed, though).

When (face-to-face workshop at Virginia Tech): June 1-4, 2026

(The virtual learning sessions will begin in late fall 2025/early 2026).

Topics: Precision Agriculture / Mapping with Drones / Data-Driven Decisions / Collecting data with sensors / Remote Sensing / Workflows

Additional information and online registration are available from: www.vtadvance.net

Application deadline: October 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance shortly after the application deadline.

2026 Balkan Field Experience

OVERVIEW: K–12 teachers, higher education faculty, and informal educators are invited to join the 2026 Balkan Field Experience, an immersive program exploring the region’s geography, history, and culture. The program runs from June 20 to July 1, 2026 (including travel days). The Balkans offers an opportunity to learn through guided exploration a unique world region, often unknown or unexplored by many in the U.S. The regional insights provide a global experience that may be viewed through a variety of interdisciplinary and cross-curricula lenses. As region is rather unexplored by many U.S. educators, this experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with key themes include geopolitics, nationalism, and identity; food and culture; natural resource use; religious and cultural diversity; urban development and post-socialist transitions; and war, memory, and post-conflict reconstruction.  Designed for educators of geography, world history, religious studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, and human rights and law, the program features expert briefings, guided walking tours, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.  Participants will engage with local experts, educators, and community leaders, gaining diverse perspectives that enhance global competence and enrich classroom teaching. This program also fosters lasting professional connections among U.S. educators.  Eighty professional development points will be awarded to individuals who complete program requirements. 

PARTNERS: The 2026 Balkan Field Experience builds upon a partnership with A.C.E. Adventure , Virginia Geographic Alliance, Maryland Geographic Alliance, and Balkan researchers. 

Apply today:  tinyurl.com/Balkans2026

COST.  $3,600 (USD).  June 20 to July 1, 2026.  Additional fees apply for single room supplement.  The final cost may be reduced based on the total number of participants.

More Information.  More information including a detailed schedule may be accessed by visiting this website. 

TIMELINE: The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by approximately December 1, 2025.  A non-refundable payment of $1,000 will be due January 5, 2026 and remaining funds will be required by February 1 and March 1, respectively.  

QUESTIONS: Email Dr. Michael Allen (mallen@towson.edu) or Maggie Creech (mcreech@virginiahistory.org) with any questions. Dr. Allen lived in Novi Sad, Serbia in 2023 as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar. Description goes here