Case Study :From Classroom to Career: How Washtenaw ISD Built a K-12 Aviation Pathway That Connects Students to 100,000+ High-Demand Drone Jobs

Washtenaw ISD

Many school districts face a significant hurdle: an estimated 70% of schools lack a dedicated STEM curriculum, leaving educators unsure where to begin. Yet, the market opportunity in STEM, particularly in emerging fields like drone technology, is immense. The global drone industry is projected to reach $63.6 billion, growing at an impressive 13% annually. This rapid expansion creates a critical demand for skilled professionals, highlighting a gap between educational offerings and future workforce needs.

The challenge for many districts lies in bridging this gap. Hope Thompson from Next Wave STEM observes,

"70% of those that we surveyed had no STEM curriculum, and didn't know where to start, or maybe their teachers were creating things on the fly and holding that knowledge within the classroom or within the school, as opposed to having something that is more sustainable and able to be equitably distributed across classrooms." Globally, over 2.1 million people are employed in drone-related roles, but the talent pipeline struggles to keep pace with this demand.

Washtenaw ISD recognized this challenge and partnered with Next Wave STEM to forge a clear path forward. Marshaun Brooks, representing Washtenaw ISD, outlines their ambitious vision:

"We'll create an aviation-focused pathway from pre-K through 9th grade with an aviation-approved, state-approved pathway for our 11th and 12th grade." This strategic approach directly addresses the burgeoning need for drone pilots, a field that has seen a 150% increase in demand for certified professionals between 2020 and 2023. By integrating drone technology, Washtenaw ISD is preparing students for the FAA's Part 107D certification, a crucial credential for commercial drone operation.

The program's strength lies in its scaffolded learning approach, building foundational skills from early childhood through high school and extends beyond technical skills, focusing on real-world application and societal impact.

"One thing, too, that NextWave does a phenomenal job is across cross-discipline project-based learning... STEM, as you know, has a big focus on saving people, responding to disasters." Students engage in simulations for disaster response, environmental monitoring using aerial photographs, and humanitarian missions, such as delivering medical supplies to remote areas. These specialized roles in drone operations command higher salaries, ranging from $80,000 to over $150,000 for experienced professionals.

Crucially, Washtenaw ISD's partnership with Next Wave STEM is deeply committed to equity and access. Marshaun Brooks states:

"Next Way STEM is committed to expanding opportunities for economically disadvantaged students, Black and Hispanic learners." This commitment is vital, as obtaining a Part 107 certification can increase a drone pilot's earning potential by an average of 30%, opening doors to high-wage, high-demand careers for a diverse student population.

The implementation is already yielding tangible results across the district:

"We have teachers in Bishop Elementary right now using the MBOTS. We're rolling it out over at Brick Elementary here soon, where second graders will be using drones to test them out..." This hands-on engagement with M-BOTS at the elementary level builds a strong foundation, directly feeding into the comprehensive K-12 aviation pathway that culminates in students being prepared for the Part 107D certification and a future in the rapidly expanding drone industry.

Washtenaw ISD's proactive approach ensures students are not just consumers of technology but innovators and problem-solvers, ready to contribute to a future where drone technology plays an increasingly critical role. By providing a structured, engaging, and career-aligned STEM curriculum, Washtenaw ISD is setting a new standard for preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

For those in Washtenaw County interested in exploring similar opportunities, Marshaun Brooks extends an invitation:

"if it's anybody that's in Washtenaw County, you can reach out to me or my boss, Ryan Rowe, and we'll be able to set you up and put you in the right direction as far as next ways to do them, if that's something you want to do."

Sources:

Paula ChiarottiWashtenaw ISD