Cradle of Aviation Museum

The Cradle of Aviation Museum will launch "The Future is Flying," a program to equip youth ages 17-21 in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, with the skills and knowledge to enter the drone technology field. The museum will collaborate with the county schools to identify students to participate in a free, three-week program serving 100 students over two years. They will learn principles of drone technology and real-world applications, receive flight training, and be prepped for the FAA certification exam. Students will also participate in job shadowing and will present a case study on drone use in a specific field, showcasing career pathways. The project will expand student knowledge about aerospace careers, demonstrate how academic studies apply to real-world issues, spark interest in STEM through learning experiences using drones, provide practical training, and prepare students to receive industry credentials.