Monique S. Davis

An idea developed by high school students to cement their learning, the Cadets Drone Pilot Program will provide 14 drones, safety goggles and associated materials to support high school student drone instructors (Captains) going into 3^rd-5^th grade classrooms once a week to teach students (Cadets) hands-on skill lessons (developed by teachers), followed up by a virtual lesson to reinforce the weekly lesson. The East Cleveland City School District (a district which is currently under state control and where 99% of students are Black) does not currently introduce computer science curriculum to its students until the high school level. This program is designed to introduce coding and computer programming to students at an early age and to help high school students prepare to take the FAA Remote Pilot License Knowledge Test. Teachers are currently fundraising to secure the funds needed for students to take the test. The starting wage for licensed drone pilots is $25/hour, which can be life-changing for students in this high-poverty district.