Hands-On Learning Prepares Future Innovators in Aerospace, Technology, and Robotics
The 2024-2025 season of the Aerial Drone Competition has officially launched, engaging thousands of middle and high school students across the United States. Organized by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), the program encourages hands-on, team-based learning through drone-focused challenges.
This year’s theme, Mission 2025: Gravity, brings together up to 10,000 students from grades 5 through 12. Teams from approximately 42 states will compete in local and national events designed to test their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking.
“The Aerial Drone Competition offers a dynamic, fun, and engaging STEM educational experience that prepares students with the skills they need to become tomorrow’s leading innovators for a variety of industries that require the many uses for drone expertise,” said Louann Cormier, Senior Program Manager of the Aerial Drone Competition.
Partnerships Support Educational Opportunities
The Aerial Drone Competition receives support from well-known organizations, including NASA, Google.org, and the Department of Defense STEM. These partnerships aim to provide students with real-world experiences and expose them to the growing career opportunities in aerospace, robotics, and technology.
One highlight of the competition is the use of the Robolink CoDrone EDU, a programmable drone designed for education. The drone allows students to experiment with programming languages such as Blockly and Python. According to RECF, this technology enables students to develop skills that are both engaging and future-ready.
Drones and the Expanding STEM Landscape
Drones are playing a critical role in industries ranging from agriculture to public safety. According to a recent market survey, the drone industry is projected to exceed $128 billion by 2030, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand across multiple sectors. Programs like the Aerial Drone Competition introduce students to these emerging technologies early, equipping them with knowledge for future careers.
By participating in the competition, students complete four missions that challenge their creativity, teamwork, and technical expertise. The program also highlights the importance of collaborative learning.
How to Get Involved
Educators and students interested in joining the Aerial Drone Competition can visit the program’s official website to learn more.
About RECF and Robolink
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) aims to inspire students in STEM through affordable, curriculum-based programs that emphasize hands-on learning. Their programs promote teamwork, resilience, and innovation, preparing students to tackle global challenges confidently.
Robolink, the creators of the CoDrone EDU, focuses on making educational technology accessible to students. Their products, including drones designed for programming education, help students build foundational skills in STEM through engaging and interactive experiences.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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