This Project Grant award of $727,957 from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) program will support the "EXPLORATIONS: LAUNCHING EMERGING TECHNOLOGY STEM PATHWAYS THROUGH IMMERSIVE DRONE EXPERIENCES" project. The project aims to address the national need for a skilled workforce in emerging technology sectors by providing high school participants with immersive learning experiences in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The project will engage 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 will gain hands-on experience in drone assembly, telemetry, sensor integration, and autonomous flight programming, and apply these skills to real-world challenges. The project features a two-year cohort model that fosters peer collaboration and continuity of learning, with undergraduate and graduate mentors providing technical coaching and guidance on academic and career pathways. Industry and university partners will support participant development through feedback, design reviews, and exposure to engineering standards used in aerospace and automation sectors. The project aligns with community college training programs and offers insight into multiple STEM career paths, including four-year degrees and direct workforce entry. The project will be implemented by the Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools over the period of October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2028.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $728.0k | 7/10/25 |