Catalyzing a Resilient Low-Altitude Economy
DART is a Monterey Bay-based nonprofit accelerating the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) through workforce development, infrastructure planning, and cross-sector collaboration, locally, statewide, and internationally.
Emerging Technology Economy for All
Uplifting Communities
Established in the Monterey Bay Region of California, DART is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) sectors.
DART acts as a catalyst by collaborating with companies, government agencies, community-based organizations, and academic institutions to solve challenges in workforce development, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement – laying the groundwork for an inclusive economic future for our communities and the entire state of California.
The low-altitude economy, explained
The low-altitude economy is the fast-growing set of industries built around advanced air mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), from delivery drones and air taxis to the infrastructure and workforce that support them. DART helps communities turn this emerging economy into quality jobs and lasting community benefit, starting in the Monterey Bay Area and connecting across California and beyond.
Focus Areas
Workforce Training
Apprenticeships and training pathways that connect people to careers in aerospace, agtech, and advanced manufacturing.
Infrastructure Planning
Regional planning and technical support for the airspace, vertiports, and systems AAM needs to scale safely.
Ecosystem Building
Convening industry, education, and policy leaders to grow an inclusive innovation economy.
Our Impact
50+
partners across industry, education, and government
2,000+
individuals engaged through workforce and education initiatives
80+
events, trainings, and convenings hosted
$6M+
in grant funding received
$48M+
leveraged public and private sector investment
Our Partners
Featured Programs
MsUAS Pathways
Building accessible, stackable pathways into drone-enabled agriculture and aerospace careers through hands-on training, educator development, FAA certifications, and connections to employers across the region and beyond.
PVUSD Aviation CTE Pathway
Preparing the next generation of aviation professionals through a hands-on high school pathway where students build a real aircraft and gain valuable experience toward careers in aviation maintenance. The course uses the same aircraft as the AMT apprenticeship program, creating an intentional bridge between the high school experience and the apprenticeship.
AMT Apprenticeship with Joby Aviation
This earn-and-learn model provides both experienced and inexperienced members of the community training towards FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and employment opportunities at Joby Aviation.
2027 LIFT Summit
March 23 – March 25, 2027
Monterey Marriott • Monterey, California
From workforce readiness to policy frameworks, the most critical challenges in aviation’s next chapter converge at the LIFT Summit. Over three transformative days, attendees will explore groundbreaking developments in AAM and UAS, engage in dynamic panel discussions, and network with key players in the industry. With a focus on workforce readiness, infrastructure, and policy frameworks, this summit aims to create actionable pathways for regional economic development. Join us to connect, engage and collaborate with those shaping the future of flight–and take part in building the ecosystem that will define the skies of tomorrow.
Engage With Us
We bridge the gap between emerging aerospace technologies and the communities where they take shape.
By bringing together local governments, industry leaders, and community voices, DART helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact — from planning future-ready infrastructure to supporting regional innovation and workforce programs.
If your organization shares our vision for innovation shaped by community, we invite you to join us. Explore our services, attend an event, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay involved.
How Would You Like to Get Involved?
For Industry
Build the workforce and infrastructure your industry needs.
For Education
Connect your students to real careers in a growing industry.
For Government
Coordinate regional growth in advanced air mobility.
For Philanthropy & Community
Invest in equitable access to the jobs of the future.