Partnership Established Between Our Company and Pleasant Valley High School for Post-School Drone Initiative
** High School Students Embrace the Drone Revolution, Aided by Groundbreaking Scholarship Programs**
The world of drones has unleashed a plethora of enticing career paths, spurring educators to hitch a ride on this high-flying trend. To set the next generation of pilots on course for drone-centric careers, schools and colleges across the States are incorporating drone-related subjects into their curriculum.
Take, for instance, Pleasant Valley High School in picturesque Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. By teaming up with an innovative corporation, this school is empowering students to soar as commercial drone pilots, earning their FAA certifications and shattering age barriers worldwide.
Our Company Scholarship: Launching Student Pursuits in Drone Technology
The legal age to secure a commercial drone pilot certificate is merely 16, making it the ideal time to introduce these buzzing machines to the young minds of tomorrow. With this forward-thinking mindset, our company unveiled a scholarship for high school students intending to tackle the FAA's grueling Part 107 exam and secure their prized commercial drone pilot certification.
This generous scholarship offers students in the United States free access to our online Part 107 exam prep course (worth $299) – a deal they couldn't refuse! With no lofty prerequisites, the scholarship embraces students on a rolling, case-by-case basis, ensuring that deserving talent isn't overlooked.
One shining example of this academic support has been Pleasant Valley High School (PVHS), a beacon of inspiration for those embracing the world of drones. By partnering with our company, PVHS has kicked off a drone program, happily sending 13 students through to the DPGS high school scholarship. To delve deeper into the heart of the PVHS drone program, we sat down with drone aficionado and PVHS faculty member George Boudman.
PVHS Flies High with the 'PV Drone Team'
As the Art Department Chair at PVHS, George Boudman lectures on a variety of advanced and AP level courses within the school's art department while also acting as the advisor for the PV Drone Team. The afterschool group, nested as an extension of the Animation & Virtual Reality Club, boasts an extensive agenda brimming with learning flight safety fundamentals, honing flying skills, and even crafting homemade drones.
The initiative to launch the PV Drone Team didn't come without some hurdles. Faculty and students worked tirelessly with the school board, administration, and various invested organizations to instate regulations, zone off drone-friendly territories on campus, and ensure the safety of students and property.
In our riveting discussion with Boudman, we delve into the inception of the PV Drone Team, unpacking the intricacies of securing permission to fly drones on school grounds.
Marrying Art and Technology: George Boudman's Educational Odyssey
A seasoned explorer of artistic landscapes, Boudman was eventually captivated by the boundless potential of digital art mediums. Leaving behind his Graphic Design role, he returned to school, nabbing a Master of Science in Art Education.
"I witnessed the art world veering towards digital avenues, so I jumped on board," Boudman mused. He dedicated his expertise to helping companies adapt to digital workflows before ultimately embracing the realm of education.
Now a prestigious high school teacher, Boudman has breathed new life into the PVHS art program, incorporating innovative subjects like digital photography, animation, 3D modeling, computer science, and virtual reality into the curriculum.
Boudman's passion for merging technology and art remains undiminished. He even embraces absurd challenges, like tackling intransigent course topics other departments would rather avoid.
"In Pennsylvania, computer science can be taught as a math, science, or elective credit. Nobody wanted to approach it, so I suggested we add it to the art department. I would absolutely love to teach it," Boudmanongrured.
Armed with an unshakable determination, Boudman draws students into creatively pursuing projects such as building apps, websites, and innovative drone-assisted digital photography.
Riding the Waves of School Board Approval for the PV Drone Team
Alongside his teaching duties, Boudman serves as the advisor for the PV Drone Team. He recalled the initial challenges that came with turning his vision into a reality.
"Five or six years ago, we started an animation club, which grew into animation, virtual reality – eventually culminating in the drone team," said Boudman. "The primary concern was liability in the event of drone accidents, as the school had no insurance policy."
Determined to bring this program to life, Boudman and his students hit the ground running. They established stringent safety protocols, familiarized themselves with drone technology, and even formulated preflight checklists. They were ready to fly – but restricted from taking off on school grounds.
Undaunted, Boudman and his teamprocured drone insurance, registered their drones with the FAA, and gunned for the support of the school board. In presenting their compelling case, students spoke passionately about their projects and demonstrated their commitment to safety. The school board, moved by their enthusiasm and stringent safeguards, granted their request, and the PV Drone Team officially took flight.
Nesting Drone Zones: Soaring at the Heights of Innovation
With the school board's permission, the PV Drone Team is now working towards creating designated areas for safe drone navigation. Boudman hopes these emerging avenues will allow his students to apply their skills back into the community, elevating their rural environs and paving the way for even more remarkable innovations in agricultural site mapping, construction site surveys, and beyond.
If you're a dedicated educator with a zeal for fueling student enthusiasm in STEM pursuits and drone technology, check out the DPGS scholarship page. Together, we can conquer the skies and unlock a world of opportunities for the next generation!
- High school students are encouraged to pursue careers in drone technology, as schools and colleges incorporate drone-related subjects into their curriculum.
- Our company offers a scholarship to high school students aiming to become commercial drone pilots, providing access to an online Part 107 exam prep course (worth $299).
- By partnering with our company, Pleasant Valley High School has established a drone program, sending 13 students through to the DPGS high school scholarship.
- George Boudman, the Art Department Chair at PVHS, champions the merging of art and technology, incorporating digital photography, animation, 3D modeling, computer science, and virtual reality into the curriculum.
- To secure permission to fly drones on school grounds, faculty and students worked with the school board, administration, and invested organizations to instate regulations, zone off drone-friendly territories, and ensure safety.
- Students interested in STEM pursuits and drone technology can apply for the DPGS scholarship, working towards creating designated areas for safe drone navigation and elevating their rural communities.
