Drones Prepare Students for Soaring Careers in Aviation and Aerospace
By Kim Daly, Contributing Writer
Fueled by the highest concentration of private aerospace jobs in the nation and home to the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), U.S. Air Force Academy, and the United Airlines Flight Training Center, Colorado is uniquely positioned as a leader in both aviation and aerospace. However, filling the pipeline of talent is critical to industry sustainability, an opportunity some charter schools are using to help students soar.
Thanks to partnerships with CrewConcept and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado Skies Academy and Colorado Early Colleges successfully use drone soccer robotics teams to spark student interest and foster a love for flight and space exploration. This year, CrewConcept partnered with five charter school campuses to secure $95,000 in funding from CDOT’s Aviation Workforce Development grant. The schools themselves then joined forces to formalize aviation career pathways for students — from early middle school courses at Colorado Skies Academy to high school-level, industry-focused classes at Colorado Early Colleges.
"Our students and coaches are excited to have this opportunity to learn relevant skills and compete representing CEC DC North,” says Keshia Medelin, Head of School. “We are excited to rally around our team and make this an activity that brings our community together."
Boosting Engagement and Opportunity
Each of the five campus installations includes an inflatable netted enclosure and a dozen rebuildable drone kits. It also includes professional development for educators to implement the career-readiness curriculum as either a classroom unit or an after-school robotics team. The program will serve hundreds of students in its first year, and that’s just the beginning.
The innovative pathway uses drone soccer to retain students until the age of sixteen when they are eligible to earn the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, an FAA license. Each year, the program will prepare hundreds more for aerospace, aviation, and other STEM careers with high earning potential, including aircraft mechanics, engineers, air traffic controllers, and pilots.
Christa Coryell, Executive Director at Colorado Skies Academy, says the program has provided her students with a unique and engaging learning experience that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with hands-on interaction. “Drone soccer has not only enhanced student engagement but has also allowed us to foster industry-relevant skills and teamwork in a way that few other programs can match.”
By embracing drone soccer and other STEM programming, charter schools can position themselves as leaders in aviation and aerospace education while preparing students for successful careers. “Crew Concept goes above and beyond to ensure that both our staff and students have the training, materials, and knowledge necessary to implement this one-of-a-kind program effectively,”shares Coryell.
"Innovative programs like drone soccer, robotics, or building career skills are critical for their future,” says Peter Mason, VP of Communications at Colorado League of Charter Schools. “These charter schools are at the forefront of doing what’s best for our kids."
Learn more about CrewConcept’s Drone Soccer Academy and catch their charter school teams in action at the Colorado League of Charter School’s Annual Conference, February 26-28, 2025. Click here for information about the Academic Drone Soccer League (ADSL) and student competitions. For more about aviation program funding and curriculum, please contact CrewConcept’s Director of Education, Lucy Howlett.
