STEM and UAS Education
By Alina George and Diana Robinson, FAA Office of UAS Integration
The concept and development of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education has a long history in the United States, and its importance continues to the present day.
Unlike with traditional aircraft, drones offer fewer barriers into aviation which increases the reach to historically excluded communities, women, and people with disabilities. For students in middle and high school, drones open many doors to career opportunities from piloting to engineering to filmography.
The drone industry is the fastest growing segment in aviation, and drones are truly an equalizer for students interested in aviation. Operating a drone is relatively inexpensive, exciting, and a fun hobby that can easily serve as an entry point to engage in STEM activities and future careers.
Drones also play an important role in fostering curiosity, creativity, and analytical thinking. Establishing these characteristics at an early age, when young minds are excited about learning, imparts lifelong critical thinking skills.
The FAA’s STEM Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) program has taken a strategic approach in reaching out to schools: through engagement, providing resources, and implementing STEM-aviation programs such as Adopt-a-School. This year, drones were included in the STEM AVSED lessons.
Industry, academia, as well as local, state, and tribal governments, have partnered with the FAA’s BEYOND and the Alliance for System Safety of UAS (ASSURE) programs to encourage STEM education.
In 2020, the FAA launched the UAS Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI). The UAS-CTI created a network of universities, colleges, technical schools, and institutions to prepare students for new and exciting careers in the drone workforce. Currently, 84 schools across the U.S. are participating in the UAS-CTI program with new applications coming in every month. Many of the participating schools host drone summer camps and partner with local K-12 schools to teach and encourage drones in the classroom. It has been an incredibly successful program. You can read more about the UAS-CTI program in the article, “Engaging with Academia,” in our May/June 2021 issue.
The FAA’s UAS Integration Office and the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) DronePros also participate in STEM conferences, symposiums, and events. They too are passionate about STEM education and volunteer regularly in STEM activities.
Alina George and Diana Robinson are project specialists in the Operational Programs Branch of the FAA’s Office of UAS Integration.
