From the Ground to the Sky: Building a Sustainable Drone Program

Drones are no longer just cool gadgets; they are an entry point to one of the fastest-growing career sectors in the country. This session offers an inside look at how Fresno Unified School District built a thriving drone program from the ground up, drawing more than 100 participants in its inaugural year. Learn how to select drone hardware aligned to your program goals, explore the wide range of drone industry careers, from commercial pilots and engineers to data analysts, and review FAA Part 107 regulations, district policy frameworks and certification pathways that give your program credibility and longevity. Discover the power of drone competitions as an engagement and retention strategy, from in-class challenges to district-wide culminating events that energize students, families and communities. Every strategy comes from real-world implementation, including what worked and what to avoid. Walk away with a clear roadmap, a drone selection framework, guidance for drafting policy and safety documentation and a replicable competition model. The sky isn't the limit; it's just the beginning.