From Code to Sky: How Students Are Redefining CTE Through a Live Drone Performance Team

What happens when students are trusted to run a real business, operate at professional standards, and create work with real market value? In this student-led session, members of the Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools Drone Performance Team share how they built the world’s first high school–run outdoor drone show—and what it means for the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Hear directly from the students who designed, coded, and executed a 500+ drone nighttime performance using Python and Blender, earned commercial drone pilot licenses, and managed every aspect of production—from client meetings to live flight operations. Students will discuss the technical, creative, and leadership skills they developed and how authentic, project-based CTE prepared them for real careers in engineering, aviation, computer science, media production, and beyond.

This session offers a powerful student perspective on what happens when learning moves from simulation to execution—and why CTE is a game changer when students truly run the show.