The louisiana aspire - aerial systems pilot instruction resource endeavor - program will increase the size and quality of the aviation workforce by addressing both goals of the FAA aircraft pilots…

The louisiana aspire - aerial systems pilot instruction resource endeavor - program will increase the size and quality of the aviation workforce by addressing both goals of the FAA aircraft pilots workforce development program. Using a training curriculum developed by nationally recognized educators to train a diverse group of high school educators as small unmanned aerial systems (suas) pilots and providing the resources and guidance to establish their own local training programs, this train-the-trainer model will develop a network of suas education efforts that serve a broad population of louisiana high school students and guide their growth into certified suas pilots. Strategic participant recruitment efforts will ensure engagement with public and private high schools in rural, suburban, and urban areas in the state. In addition to training at least 40 educators and 800 high school students over two years, the aspire program also incorporates case studies and mission planning workflows that highlight the applications of suas as tools that address challenges relevant to students careers after graduation - topics like coastal engineering, ecological resource management, and agricultural and industrial asset monitoring. Whether aspire graduates enter the workforce after high school or continue into higher education, the program assists them in identifying a career path that they are passionate about and supporting the pursuit of their goals. The aspire program team is lead by instructional faculty from louisiana state university s department of mechanical engineering and department of oceanography and coastal sciences, and supported by walker high school s drone academy, and advanced aerial education. Each contributes their expertise, experience, and passion for developing the next generation of well-trained, professionally licensed suas operators and providing career pathways to meet the growing needs of the aviation industry and related economic activities. Through its comprehensive plan of partnerships, outreach initiatives, monitoring mechanisms, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, the aspire program contributes to a more equitable and skilled workforce while stimulating local economic growth and entrepreneurship.louisiana state university is an accredited institute of higher education and is applying under this eligible applicant category. The aspire program addresses the eligible project categories of providing professional development to high school educators and delivering curriculum to prepare high school students to become unmanned aircraft system operators.