Texans Can Academy Celebrates First Year Success of Drone Program: Two Students Earn FAA Part 107 Drone License

Houston, Texas – 30 May 2024– Texans Can Academy is proud to announce the successful completion of its first year integrating drones into the classroom through the DARTdrones CTE program. This innovative program has already yielded significant results, with two students earning their FAA Part 107 Drone License, opening up numerous career possibilities in the burgeoning drone industry.

John-Michael, a 9th grader at Texans Can Academy, has been an enthusiastic participant in the drone program since its inception in the fall of 2023. The class meets twice a week to study for the Part 107 test, learn about various sUAS drones, and explore the technology behind them. While most students enjoy a day off every other Friday, John-Michael and his peers engage in hands-on drone training, honing their flying skills and practicing complex maneuvers.

Texans Can teacher, Alfredo Carter, who joined the program in its inaugural year, emphasizes the importance of teamwork in drone education. “Getting to see the kids work together is incredible. You witness their communication and teamwork skills grow as they take on roles like the spotter and the drone pilot. This collaboration is what the classroom experience should be like across all subjects,” Carter said.

“Getting to see the kids work together is incredible. You witness their communication and teamwork skills grow”

Program Success Ingredients

The success of the program is evident in the achievements of its students. “You can see by their test scores that they tested well above the average student,” Mr. Carter noted, highlighting the effectiveness of the DARTdrones High School CTE Workforce Development Curriculum. Both students and teachers found the curriculum well-organized and easy to understand, breaking down complex information into manageable segments.

John-Michael expressed his enthusiasm for drone flying, stating, “My favorite part is getting to see new sights and a different perspective of things.” His confidence was unwavering as he prepared for the FAA Part 107 test. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew I was going to pass,” he said confidently. His next goal is to delve into drone photography and videography, potentially starting his own business using his acquired skills.

“I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew I was going to pass”

Mr. Carter praised the training materials provided by DARTdrones, stating, “The information DARTdrones provided was pretty solid. If the students take the time to study the material, they should do well.” He added that witnessing his students overcome challenges and succeed in their training is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.

Texans Can Academy is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered education, and the success of its drone program is a testament to this mission. The academy’s use of a DJI mini drone has provided students with practical, hands-on experience, preparing them for real-world applications in the drone industry.

About Texans Can Academy

Texans Can Academies is a public charter high school district known for offering high-quality, student-centered education aimed at transforming lives and promoting economic independence. With 13 campuses across Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, the district provides an accelerated path to completing high school and offers robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to prepare students for real-world success.

About DARTdrones Workforce Development Program

The DARTdrones Workforce Development Program offers comprehensive drone training and consultation for individuals, organizations, and educational institutions. Their customizable curriculum and industry collaboration ensure relevance and effectiveness, while their professional training system supports successful drone integration within any organization. DARTdrones is committed to empowering educators and transforming drone education through its Train the Trainer Program.

To learn more about the DARTdrones Workforce Development Program, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at [email protected].