Prince George’s Community College Joins the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative Program
By PRESS OFFICER
PGCC
Largo, Md. (Jan. 29, 2026)—Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) is proud to announce its acceptance for accreditation in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) program. The program is a national effort designed to prepare the next generation of drone professionals through high-quality education, training, and industry partnerships.
“PGCC’s inclusion in the FAA’s (UAS-CTI) program underscores our commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” Barbara McCreary, PGCC program director of Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, said. “This distinction demonstrates that we are intentionally aligning our programs with a technological future where drones will be critical to various industries, from public safety to environmental science. Our strategic goal to deliver high-impact learning and reimagine workforce partnerships positions our graduates as competitive, future-ready professionals.”
The FAA launched the UAS-CTI Program in April 2020 to fulfill Section 631 of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, which called for establishing collegiate training programs focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The program recognizes institutions that offer UAS-related curricula and demonstrate a commitment to advancing safe, responsible, and innovative drone operations nationwide. As a participating institution, PGCC joins a growing network of colleges working collaboratively with the FAA, industry, law enforcement, local government, and economic development leaders to strengthen the nation’s UAS workforce pipeline.
PGCC offers three foundational drone education courses: an introduction to drones, a seven-hour recreational drones course, and a drone pilot license preparation course. These offerings equip students with a fundamental understanding of recreational drone operation, aviation safety, and federal regulations. Through this collaboration with the FAA, Prince George’s Community College continues to expand cutting-edge learning opportunities that prepare students for high-demand, technology-driven careers.
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022–2027), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC comprises students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.
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M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board and Department Announce February 2026 Events and Meetings
By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
LARGO, Md. (Jan. 29, 2026)—The Prince George’s County Planning Board and the Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announce their upcoming public events and meetings for February 2026. For more details, review the list of events and meetings below or visit www.pgplanningboard.org and www.pgplanning.org. Events and meetings are subject to change.
Prince George’s County Planning Board Meetings
Thursday, February 12 | 10 a.m.
Thursday, February 19 | 10 a.m.
Thursday, February 26 | 10 a.m.
Online and M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters (Auditorium), 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
The Prince George’s County Planning Board meets on Thursdays to consider planning, zoning, subdivision, and other matters within its jurisdiction. The meetings may be viewed in person at the M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters and via live streaming video. Public participation is encouraged. Everyone who wishes to speak virtually or in person at the Planning Board meeting must register online by noon on the Tuesday, two days prior to the Planning Board meeting. Written comments, documents, and exhibits must be received via email, hand delivery, or mail by noon on the Tuesday before the Planning Board meeting to be included in the record. For more details, visit: www.pgplanningboard.org.
Subdivision and Development Review Committee Meeting
Friday, February 13 | 9:30 a.m.
Friday, February 27 | 9:30 a.m.
Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC) is a coordination and interagency meeting early in the development review process with the applicant and M-NCPPC staff, where the public can be invited to virtually view the meeting only. The meetings are held virtually and may be viewed via live streaming video. The agendas are posted online.
Brown Bag Lunch Series: Permitting Innovation – IRRD & DARTS
Tuesday, February 10 | noon–1 p.m.
M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters, 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
The Prince George’s County Planning Department will host a monthly Brown Bag Series covering various planning topics at the M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters. The session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, will cover Permitting Innovation – IRRD & DARTS. Register at least a week in advance at https://pgplan.org/brownbag.
Environmental Technical Manual Updates – Public Information Session
Tuesday, February 24 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
The Prince George’s County Planning Department invites residents and community stakeholders to a virtual public information session to learn about important updates to the Environmental Technical Manual. With the passage of new ordinances by the County Council—including updated Woodland and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Ordinance (CB-20-2024, CB-077-2024, and CB-046-2025) and Subdivision Regulations concerning Environmental Strategy Areas (CB-022-2024)—this session will provide: an overview of revised definitions and processes, updated conservation requirements, and guidance on preparing environmentally related plans and documents for submission. Register to receive the virtual meeting link at https://pgplan.org/EnvTechManual.
Development Community Charrette
Wednesday, February 25 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters, 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy and M-NCPPC Chairman Darryl Barnes invite the development community to an interactive Development Community Charrette focused on improving the development review process, strengthening urban design outcomes, and increasing predictability across County approvals. This working session brings together developers, County leadership, and agency partners to identify real-world solutions that streamline timelines, improve efficiencies, and support smart growth and transit-oriented development throughout the County. Space is limited. RSVP by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at https://pgplan.org/development-charrette.
Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission
Tuesday, February 17 | 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Prince George’s County Planning Department, the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission meeting will be held virtually on the third Tuesday of the month. For meeting details, visit https://www.pgplanning.org/countywide-planning/historic-preservation or call 301-952-3680, or email HistoricPreservation@ppd.mncppc.org.
M-NCPPC Full Commission Meeting
Wednesday, February 18 | 10 a.m.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will hold its Full Commission meeting in a hybrid format from the Parks and Recreation Administration Building in Riverdale and via video conference. Agenda packets will be available online: https://www.mncppc.org/meetings/.
Assistance
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form: https://www.pgparks.com/patron-sign-language-service-request-form.
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Eight Prince George’s County Chapters Unite for MLK Day of Service
By CHRISTINA ROYSTER
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Iota Gamma Omega Chapter
Prince George’s County, Md. (Jan. 20, 2026)—As part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Prince George’s County “We Are One” MLK Day Service Project, eight county chapters united for a coordinated Day of Service across three locations. The Northern Area Site by the Psi Epsilon Omega and Alpha Alpha Lambda Omega Chapters; the Central Area Site by the Iota Gamma Omega and Alpha Gamma Chi Omega Chapters; and the Southern Area Site by the Upsilon Tau Omega and Alpha Alpha Sigma Omega Chapters. The effort was further strengthened by the participation of two undergraduate chapters, Eta Chapter of Bowie State University and Theta Nu Chapter of the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as members of other National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) organizations.
Collectively, more than 12,000 items were donated across all sites, along with $500 in monetary contributions, benefiting families, schools, and community organizations throughout Prince George’s County. Items collected included nonperishable food, winter clothing, warming kits, school uniforms, hygiene items, and backpacks.
The day was marked by strong volunteer engagement and a shared commitment to service. Congressman Glenn Ivey joined members during the initiative, offering words of encouragement and support. The collaboration reflected the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and demonstrated the power of unity and collective impact in addressing community needs.
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