Do you want to play an integral part in changing society’s STEM career stereotypes? If so, consider joining the Fly Like a Girl (FLAG) Drone Academy.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) US Civil Airmen Statistics report, female drone pilots in the US constitute a meager 7.9 percent of all certified remote pilots.

Determined to increase the percentage of women in the STEM field, Beaver Area, Baldwin-Whitehall, and South Fayette Township school districts were awarded a $70,000 grant from Remake Learning to collaborate with drone industry leaders in the region, designing an academy that provides sophomore and junior girls in their respective districts the opportunity to become FAA-certified drone pilots.

The program was extended to include girls from Ambridge, McKeesport, and Woodland Hills school districts as well.

Starting in late spring and continuing until fall, the intense drone academy experience will focus on a specialized hybrid curriculum—synchronous and asynchronous online modules that educate students about the skills needed to be a FAA-certified Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilot.

Each participating school has a knowledgeable, experienced academy instructor who will not only teach the intricacies of operating commercial-grade drones but also facilitate and coordinate workshops, training sessions, and meetings.

For Beaver Area High School, none other than the district’s qualified Director of Technology, Mr. James Shay, will lead the academy, while Ms. Emily Sanders, Beaver Area School District’s Assistant Superintendent, will offer needed support as an administrator.

Beaver Area students also may utilize the academy to help fulfill the state’s new graduation requirement: the mentoring and industry-based credential. Students may include the experience as a marketable qualification on a high school transcript and professional résumé.

After high school, students with the FAA UAV license may seek employment as a drone pilot, either part time (hourly wage starting at $25) or full time (drone pilots can make $60,000-$100,000), become a consultant, or enter into a field that heavily relies on drones.

Realizing the sky is the limit, Beaver Area’s administrators may eventually use the academy’s curriculum as a future stand alone course. Beaver Area’s competitive five-seat academy is the perfect test for such an ambitious endeavor.

Those who apply are committing themselves to attend workshops, training sessions, and various meetings.

Students must have parent permission to participate. Keep in mind, no fees are required once accepted into the program.

Although applications were initially due March 19, students are still encouraged to submit a form prior to attending an upcoming meeting (an announcement will be made indicating the time and location) for interested individuals.

Once the entries are reviewed, chosen applicants will receive an acceptance notice. Any further questions should be directed to Ms. Sanders or Mr. Shay.

Apply to Fly Like a Girl (FLAG) Drone Academy to be part of an exciting journey, help underrepresented girls shine in STEM careers, and ultimately overcome gender barriers in the workplace.