Drone competitions, like the Aerial Drone Competition, are engaging students in STEM and changing the game for middle and high school students nationwide.
Louann Cormier, a senior program manager at the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, discusses the powerful impact of drones on students, beyond just being toys.
Students participating in the Aerial Drone Competition learn piloting, coding, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills through various missions.
The competition provides a supportive environment for students to build resilience, problem-solving skills, and gain confidence.
Driven by interest in drones, the competition is attracting a diverse group of students, including those from the video gaming world, leading to increased student participation.
Partnerships with organizations like NASA, Google.org, and Robolink CoDrone EDU are supporting the Aerial Drone Competition and providing students with real-world career preparation.
In just four seasons, the Aerial Drone Competition has grown significantly, now including over 2,000 teams across 48 states and Washington, D.C.
Middle school students have been excelling in the competition, challenging high school teams with focus, determination, and practice.
The competition emphasizes strategy, skill, and perseverance over age or size, providing a level playing field for all participants.
As drone technology continues to advance, students in the program have opportunities to innovate, gain valuable experience, and lead in various industries.