Alexandria, VA – Thirty-six diverse middle school students from Maryland and Virginia recently immersed themselves in a unique drone educational program at Patrick Henry K-8 School in Alexandria. Over 40 hours, they delved into building, programming, flying, and racing drones – or unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
During the Drone Program, students learned about safety protocols and drone operation and received insights from aerospace engineers, electrical engineers, drone pilots, physicists, and technology experts. They explored drone parts, built their drones, obtained FAA TRUST Certification, and visited Aurora Flight Sciences in Manassas, VA, for a firsthand look at aviation innovation.
The initiative, supported by Northrop Grumman, FAA ASSURE, AT&T, and Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, culminated in a visit to Virginia Tech’s Drone Park in Blacksburg. Here, students showcased their projects, completed a race challenge, and received certificates, awards, and their personally built drones to continue exploring drone applications in everyday life.
Dr. Pamela Gilchrist, director of K-12 Programs, highlighted the program’s impact on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and tech awareness. This collaborative effort between Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, Alexandria City Public Schools, and industry partners aims to empower youth and adults to navigate the future of work effectively.
Congratulations to all involved, including Dr. Lance Collins, vice president and executive director of Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, for their dedication to cultivating diverse talents and fostering innovation in aviation and engineering among K-12 students, educators, and VT student interns.
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