Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Partners with OAIRE to Propel Drone Innovation in High School Classrooms
Stillwater, Okla., – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in partnership with OAIRE, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, hosted a professional development event and drone build for Oklahoma aerospace teachers on Feb. 27-28. The event, held at Oklahoma State University, highlighted the state’s commitment to “pushing the boundaries of flight.”
The strategic partnership with OAIRE brought educators from across the state to explore innovative and advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology. The event showcased the essential role high school teachers play in bringing industry-leading innovation into the classroom to prepare the next generation of the aerospace workforce.
“Our educators are the cornerstone of this program,” said Paula Kedy, ODAA Statewide Aerospace STEM education manager. “With our expanding network of schools, the support of our state legislators and partnerships with industry leaders, Oklahoma is well-positioned to continue leading the nation in aerospace education.”
Key highlights of the event included:
- Professional Development: Advanced training for Oklahoma educators on integrating UAS technology into high school aerospace programs.
- Innovation Showcases: Demonstrations of cutting-edge drone applications in emergency management, agriculture, and wildlife conservation and control.
- Workforce Connections: Bridging the gap between classroom learning and the 120,000 professional roles within Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries.
Oklahoma currently leads the nation in aerospace education, with more than 145 schools implementing specialized STEM courses like the AOPA “You Can Fly” program. This collaboration with OAIRE reinforces Oklahoma’s ongoing commitment to advancing aerospace research and education. For more information on ODAA’s Aerospace Education initiatives, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.