By Alex Greenwood,
October 21, 2025
MDHEWD-funded program offers stipends, paid work experience and hands-on training
in drones, AI, video surveillance and gunshot detection
WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The University of Central Missouri (UCM) will host an eight-week
Missouri Security Operation Center (MOSOC) Technology Certification designed to help
high school seniors and young adults, 19 to 24, launch careers in physical security
technology. The program is funded by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and
Workforce Development (MDHEWD).
Classes run Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, Oct. 27, 2025,
at UCM’s Summit Technology Campus, 800 NW Chipman Road, Suite 5850, Door 66, Lee’s
Summit, MO 64063. Instruction covers video surveillance, camera and video management
software, gunshot detection with AI, drones and security robots. Participants will
also complete a hands-on drone session on site.
Eligible students receive a $100 weekly training stipend during the eight weeks and
a paid work experience following classroom instruction, totaling 160 hours at $15
per hour. The state is covering program tuition, and students will receive a certificate
of participation from UCM upon completion. Selected students will keep a training
drone to continue building skills.
Instruction is delivered live with remote access available. Students may participate
from approved school sites or attend in person at UCM’s classroom. The cohort will
include learners from the St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City metro areas and nearby
counties. Seats are limited, and applicants will interview with MDHEWD for approval.
Target enrollment is 10 students from each region.
UCM is coordinating employer partnerships to support on-the-job training and potential
hiring pathways for graduates. The university has signed a preferred learning partner
MOU with Titan Security and is exploring aligned communications regarding the program.
How to apply
Prospective students should contact Clarinda Dir at dir@ucmo.edu or 660-543-6622,
or visit cwdregion.com/coty to enroll.
About the program
MOSOC helps young adults develop workforce-ready skills for security technology roles
across sectors, including public safety, facilities, events, agriculture and media.
Coursework introduces FAA-related drone operations concepts and broader career uses
of unmanned aircraft systems, video analytics and AI-enabled detection tools. The
Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development is an equal-opportunity employer/program.
Auxiliary aids and services are available.