The DRL Academy science, technology, engineering, and math program will debut a new course for middle school students, “The Science of Drone Racing,” in 2022.
The Drone Racing League has announced an expansion of its DRL Academy STEM (science, technology engineering, and mathematics) program in partnership with Draganfly, Steve Wozniak’s Woz Ed, and Robotify, a virtual platform that teaches students robotics and coding. The four partners will debut an interactive “Science of Drone Racing” curriculum for middle school students in 2022.
The course will teach children how to fly and build drones through physical kits, as well as how to code drones through esports-style programming competitions. Students will also have the chance to watch professional pilots compete during exclusive DRL season viewing events.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Draganfly and team up with Woz Ed and Robotify to inspire students for a lifetime through exhilarating and educational drone racing courses,” said Rachel Jacobson, DRL president in a statement. We look forward to partnering with top companies and philanthropic organizations to help kids discover new passions and career opportunities in tech and science while shaping the industry to be more diverse and inclusive.”
Draganfly joined the DRL as a founding partner of DRL Labs in October to research and develop drone technology in hopes of advancing not only the sport of drone racing, but other industries as well. The companies’ executives will also serve as ambassadors for the program to highlight drone-related industries and career opportunities.
Draganfly’s drone pilot training program was recently adopted by Alabama State University.
“With decades of experience in aviation, aviation, robotics, and engineering, Draganfly is excited to support DRL around their game-changing Science of Drone Racing curriculum with Woz Ed and Robotify. We’re thrilled to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders at the middle school level,” Draganfly CEO Cameron Chell said in an official release.
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, is credited with first bringing together Draganfly and the DRL. Wozniak’s Woz Ed and Robotify have enabled millions of students to learn new skills in STEM-related fields.
“We’ve been educating students through interactive drone kits for years now, and the number one request we get from schools is to make a racing drone kit,” said Wozniak in a statement. “The Drone Racing League has a tremendous influence on young sports fans and future tech innovators, and we’re excited to team up to create a drone racing curriculum that ensures learners are job-ready for the most in-demand tech sector openings.”
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“Robotify’s goal is to empower all kids to learn coding in an engaging and playful way,”Robotify CEO Adam Dalton said on the occasion. “The mixture of virtual curriculum provided by Robotify, experience and reach provided by DRL, and physical drone kits provided by Woz Ed make this a truly unique and special partnership to inspire millions of young learners.”
The DRL additionally struck a $100 million deal with blockchain company Algorand in September as part of a busy year. With this latest announcement, they’re ensuring that the momentum continues into 2022.
