Explorations: launching emerging technology stem pathways through immersive drone experiences

The National Science Foundation's Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) awarded $727,957 to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on October 1, 2025, for the "Explorations: Launching Emerging Technology STEM Pathways Through Immersive Drone Experiences" project, with completion targeted for September 30, 2028. This Project Grant funds a comprehensive, two-year cohort-based program that provides high school students with immersive learning experiences in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and applied engineering. Participants receive structured, scaffolded instruction progressing from foundational technical skills through advanced drone system design, testing, and mission execution, including hands-on training in drone assembly, telemetry, sensor integration, and autonomous flight programming.

The program delivers integrated workforce development services designed to build a skilled pipeline for emerging technology sectors, including aerospace, automation, and robotics. Key service components include mentorship from undergraduate and graduate students, industry and university partnership engagement through design reviews and engineering standards exposure, field trips to drone facilities and aerospace companies, and summer internship opportunities. Additionally, the award enhances educator and school counselor capacity to advise students on technical career pathways. The initiative addresses national workforce demands as drone applications expand across infrastructure, logistics, public safety, and environmental monitoring sectors.

Abstract

This project addresses a national need for a skilled workforce in emerging technology sectors by providing high school participants with immersive learning experiences in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As drone applications expand across industries such as infrastructure, logistics, public safety, and environmental monitoring, workforce preparation in this area is critical to national innovation, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership. By introducing participants to applied engineering, systems thinking, and real-world problem solving, the project strengthens the stem pipeline and connects young learners to future-facing career opportunities. In addition to skill-building, the project enhances the capacity of educators and school counselors to advise students on pathways into technical fields such as aerospace, automation, and robotics. The project engages participants from public high schools in structured, scaffolded learning that builds from foundational technical skills to advanced drone system design, testing, and mission execution. Participants gain hands-on experience in drone assembly, telemetry, sensor integration, and autonomous flight programming, and apply these skills to real-world challenges such as flight planning and payload deployment. The program features a two-year cohort model that fosters peer collaboration and continuity of learning. Undergraduate and graduate mentors provide technical coaching and guidance on academic and career pathways. Industry and university partners support participant development through feedback, design reviews, and exposure to engineering standards used in aerospace and automation sectors. Field trips to drone facilities and aerospace companies, along with the opportunity to participate in a summer internship program, further immerse participants in stem environments and expand their understanding of professional opportunities. The project aligns with community college training programs and offers insight into multiple career paths, including four-year degrees and direct workforce entry. Outcomes will be assessed through participant engagement, skill development, mentor involvement, and postsecondary tracking, creating a replicable model for expanding access to stem careers and advancing national workforce priorities. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.