AeroPathways: Drone & Tech Workforce Training

STEAM thru Drones addresses the lack of accessible, career-relevant training for mid- and late-career adults in underserved and rural communities. Rapid advancements in technology and automation are disrupting industries like agriculture, telecommunications, and public safety, leaving millions of workers without the skills needed to transition into high-demand careers.

In rural areas, over 60% of workers lack access to specialized training programs, limiting opportunities for reskilling. Financial barriers and outdated workforce programs further exacerbate the issue, leaving individuals unprepared for emerging roles in drone technology, GIS mapping, and IT. For instance, the FAA projects 100,000 new drone-related jobs by 2025, yet only a fraction of the workforce is trained to fill these roles. Similarly, GIS professionals are in high demand, with 8% job growth expected by 2030.

Many of these communities also face a lack of awareness about new career pathways, compounding the challenge. STEAM thru Drones offers hands-on, affordable training programs designed to bridge this gap. By providing certifications and career-focused skills, we empower participants to thrive in evolving industries, creating economic opportunities and addressing the growing skills gap in the workforce.

AeroPathways is a hands-on training program that equips mid- and late-career adults with job-ready skills in drone technology, GIS mapping, IT certifications, and tower inspections. It provides participants with the tools and certifications they need to transition into high-demand careers in industries like agriculture, telecommunications, and public safety.

The program combines interactive learning with cutting-edge technology to ensure participants are workforce-ready. For example:

• FAA Part 107 Certification teaches participants how to safely operate drones and prepares them for FAA licensing.
• GIS Mapping Training introduces geospatial software like ArcGIS, enabling learners to analyze and interpret drone-collected data for applications such as urban planning and environmental monitoring.
• IT Certifications focus on essential tech skills for troubleshooting and managing systems.
• Tower Inspection Training incorporates drone flights to assess and maintain critical infrastructure.

AeroPathways uses flexible formats—online, hybrid, and in-person—making it accessible to learners in rural and underserved areas. Participants engage in real-world simulations, use state-of-the-art drones and software, and receive mentorship to navigate career transitions. By integrating hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, AeroPathways ensures learners are prepared to meet workforce demands and thrive in their new careers.

AeroPathways is designed to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of mid- and late-career adults, particularly those in rural and underserved communities. These individuals often face significant challenges, including job displacement due to automation, limited access to career-relevant training programs, and financial barriers to reskilling. Many work in industries vulnerable to technological disruption or in roles with little opportunity for advancement.

In rural areas, over 60% of workers lack access to specialized training in high-demand fields like drone technology, GIS, and IT. These communities also face higher unemployment rates and fewer opportunities to transition into sustainable, future-ready careers. Women, people of color, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, often lacking awareness of emerging career pathways or resources to pursue them.

AeroPathways bridges this gap by offering accessible, flexible, and affordable training programs. Participants gain industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, and mentorship to navigate career transitions. By focusing on fields like drone mapping, IT, and infrastructure inspections, the program empowers individuals with skills that align with workforce demands, creating new opportunities for economic stability and career growth in underserved communities.

As the founder of STEAM thru Drones, I, Dr. La’Quata Sumter, have deep connections to the communities we serve. Growing up in rural Georgia and becoming the first African American woman in Southwest Georgia to earn an FAA Part 107 certification, I understand firsthand the challenges faced by underserved populations, including lack of access to resources, education, and career pathways in emerging industries. These experiences shape my commitment to empowering individuals in similar circumstances through accessible, impactful training.

Our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, including educators, technologists, and industry professionals from rural and underrepresented backgrounds. This representation ensures that our programs are designed with cultural and contextual relevance.

We actively engage our target population throughout the design and implementation of AeroPathways. For example, we’ve conducted over 50 interviews and focus groups with mid-career adults, including displaced workers, veterans, and individuals from rural areas, to understand their barriers to career transitions. Their feedback informed our solution’s flexible delivery options (online, hybrid, and in-person), inclusion of hands-on drone and GIS training, and wraparound support services like mentorship and career guidance.

In partnership with local organizations, we’ve piloted programs with 150+ participants in underserved areas. Their input has led to improvements such as clearer certification pathways, additional financial aid options, and more practical, scenario-based learning modules. By embedding community voices into every stage of our work, AeroPathways remains aligned with the needs, aspirations, and goals of the people we aim to serve.

We selected the Pilot stage because AeroPathways has been launched in multiple communities and is actively delivering training to mid- and late-career adults, with over 200 participants engaged to date. The program has provided hands-on training in drone technology, GIS mapping, IT certifications, and tower inspections, equipping participants with the skills and certifications needed to transition into high-demand industries.

We’ve tested and refined key components of the solution, including:

• Flexible Delivery Models: Online, hybrid, and in-person formats to accommodate diverse learner needs.
• Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Modules for FAA Part 107 drone certification, GIS software like ArcGIS, and practical applications such as drone mapping for agriculture and infrastructure inspections.
• Wraparound Support Services: Mentorship, career guidance, and certification assistance to ensure participants can successfully transition into new roles.

Feedback from participants has informed improvements in program design, such as additional financial aid options, scenario-based learning, and clearer certification pathways. Partnerships with local organizations and industry leaders have helped validate the relevance and feasibility of the program.

While we have achieved consistent implementation in several communities, we are still iterating on delivery methods and scaling processes to expand AeroPathways’ reach and impact.

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1. Integrated, Multi-Industry Training: AeroPathways uniquely combines drone technology, GIS mapping, IT certifications, and tower inspections into a single, comprehensive program. While other solutions may focus on one area, AeroPathways equips learners with a diverse set of in-demand skills, creating broader career opportunities and fostering versatility in the workforce.

2. Accessible, Human-Centered Design: Unlike traditional workforce development programs, AeroPathways prioritizes accessibility for underserved and rural communities. By offering flexible learning formats—online, hybrid, and in-person—we ensure that geographic location, financial barriers, or busy schedules do not hinder participation.

3. Hands-On, Technology-Driven Learning: We integrate cutting-edge tools like drones, GIS software (ArcGIS), and real-world simulations, enabling participants to gain practical, industry-relevant experience. This approach makes learning immersive and immediately applicable, setting AeroPathways apart from theory-heavy programs.

4. Wraparound Support for Career Navigation: AeroPathways doesn’t just train participants—it provides mentorship, career guidance, and job placement support, ensuring learners can transition seamlessly into their new roles. This holistic approach addresses barriers beyond skill-building, such as confidence and industry connections.

5. Catalyzing Broader Impacts: By equipping individuals with future-ready skills, AeroPathways contributes to closing the STEM workforce gap, particularly in underserved communities. Its scalable design offers a replicable model for workforce development programs, catalyzing widespread adoption in education, nonprofits, and industry sectors.

6. Transforming the Workforce Landscape: AeroPathways addresses workforce needs in industries poised for growth, such as telecommunications, agriculture, and environmental conservation. By empowering underrepresented populations to fill these roles, we create a more diverse, inclusive workforce and drive economic mobility in communities that need it most.

This innovative combination of inclusivity, technology, and workforce alignment positions AeroPathways as a transformative solution in the reskilling and upskilling space.

Impact Goals:

1. Empower 8,000 mid- and late-career adults by 2030 with job-ready skills in drone technology, GIS mapping, IT, and tower inspections to transition into high-demand careers.
2. Reduce unemployment and underemployment in underserved and rural communities by providing accessible, industry-aligned training programs.
3. Increase diversity in STEM fields by ensuring at least 50% of program participants are from underrepresented populations, including women, people of color, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Enhance economic mobility by ensuring that 80% of program graduates secure employment or advance in their careers within six months of completion.

Progress Measurement Indicators:

1. Enrollment and Completion Rates: Track the number of participants enrolling in and completing AeroPathways programs, with a focus on reaching underserved populations.

   • Indicator: Number of participants enrolled (target: 2,000 annually by 2026).
   • Indicator: Percentage of participants from underrepresented groups (target: 50%).

2. Certification Success Rates: Monitor the percentage of participants earning certifications, such as FAA Part 107, GIS certifications, and IT credentials.

   • Indicator: Certification achievement rate (target: 85%).

3. Employment Outcomes: Measure the percentage of participants who secure jobs, advance in their current roles, or transition into new industries.

   • Indicator: Employment rate within six months post-completion (target: 80%).
   • Indicator: Average income growth post-program (target: 20% increase).

4. Participant Satisfaction and Confidence: Collect feedback to ensure programs meet learner needs and build confidence in navigating new career paths.

   • Indicator: Satisfaction scores via post-program surveys (target: 90% positive).

We monitor progress through regular surveys, partnership feedback, and data analytics, ensuring that AeroPathways delivers measurable, transformational impact aligned with its goals.

Full-time staff: 2

Part-time staff: 4

Contractors/Other workers: 4

We have been working on our solution for 3 years.

At STEAM thru Drones, we prioritize building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Our leadership team includes individuals from underrepresented and marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This diversity fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges our participants face and ensures our programs are designed with cultural and contextual relevance.

Diversity Goals and Actions:

1. Intentional Recruitment: We actively seek out diverse candidates through partnerships with organizations that support underrepresented groups in STEM fields. This includes targeted outreach to women, people of color, and veterans to ensure our hiring practices are inclusive.
2. Equitable Opportunities: We offer flexible work arrangements, professional development, and mentorship opportunities to minimize barriers for team members who may face systemic challenges. For example, we provide stipends for professional certifications and encourage participation in leadership training programs.
3. Inclusive Culture: Our workplace prioritizes open communication, respect, and collaboration. Regular workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion ensure that team members are educated and empowered to contribute to a welcoming environment.

Current Team Composition:

• Over 70% of our leadership team identifies as women or people of color.
• We ensure representation from rural and underserved communities to bring lived experiences into program design.

Future Goals: We aim to increase representation of individuals with disabilities and expand opportunities for team members from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, we are developing a formal DEI advisory board to guide our growth in fostering equity and inclusion across all levels of the organization.

By embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into our organizational practices, we ensure STEAM thru Drones is a welcoming and empowering environment for all team members.

Key Beneficiaries: Our primary beneficiaries are mid- and late-career adults, particularly those in underserved and rural communities, who need reskilling or upskilling to transition into high-demand, future-proof careers. We also serve businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions seeking workforce development programs aligned with emerging technologies.

Value Proposition: AeroPathways provides accessible, affordable, and industry-aligned training in drone technology, GIS mapping, IT certifications, and tower inspections. Our solution offers participants the tools, skills, and certifications needed to secure employment in growing industries. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and flexible delivery formats, we bridge the gap between workforce demands and participants' career goals.

Products and Services:

1. Training Programs: Comprehensive modules in FAA Part 107 drone certification, GIS and mapping, IT skills, and infrastructure inspection.
2. Certification Support: Assistance with industry-recognized credentials to increase employability.
3. Career Navigation: Wraparound services, including mentorship, job placement guidance, and career coaching.

Delivery Model: Training is offered through a mix of online, hybrid, and in-person formats to maximize accessibility. Partnerships with local organizations, schools, and workforce development agencies extend our reach and ensure contextual relevance.

Revenue Streams:

1. Program Fees: Affordable tuition for individual learners.
2. Institutional Partnerships: Revenue from collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and employers for group training.
3. Grants and Sponsorships: Funding from government and private entities to subsidize costs for underserved populations.

Why They Need Us: Our beneficiaries face limited access to affordable, practical training programs in emerging technologies. AeroPathways equips them with the skills needed to secure higher-paying jobs and achieve economic mobility, meeting both individual and industry needs.

Scalability: Our modular curriculum and partnerships with key stakeholders position AeroPathways for replication and scaling across diverse regions and communities.

To ensure long-term financial sustainability, AeroPathways leverages a diversified funding model that combines revenue generation from training services, institutional partnerships, and grants.

1. Revenue Streams:

• Program Fees: We charge affordable tuition for individual learners, ensuring accessibility while generating revenue.
• Institutional Partnerships: We collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and workforce development agencies to provide group training. These partnerships bring in stable revenue while expanding our reach.
• Corporate Sponsorships and Grants: We secure funding from government grants and private foundations to subsidize costs for underserved participants.
• Customized Workforce Solutions: We work with businesses to design specialized training programs for their employees, establishing service contracts as an additional revenue stream.

2. Evidence of Success:

• Grants: In 2024, we secured $25,000 in grants from organizations such as White Family Foundation, ASGI, Women and Drones, Drone Deploy and individual donations to support training for economically disadvantaged participants.
• Revenue from Partnerships: We partnered with local organizations such as Albany State University and generated $40,000 from workforce training programs for underserved communities.
• Program Growth: Our tuition-based revenue model has contributed to consistent enrollment, with over 215 participants trained in 2024, generating $30,000 in fees.

3. Long-Term Financial Goals:

• Sustained Grant Support: Continue applying for large-scale grants to fund program expansion.
• Scale Partnerships: Expand collaborations with government agencies and industry leaders, ensuring steady income through service contracts and corporate sponsorships.
• Increased Enrollment: Build enrollment to 2,000 participants annually by 2030, covering 50% of operating costs through tuition fees.

By maintaining a balanced funding model that blends earned revenue with grants and partnerships, AeroPathways is positioned for sustainable growth. This approach ensures our ability to scale while keeping programs affordable and impactful.

We are applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to scale the impact of AeroPathways and overcome key barriers to accessibility, awareness, and sustainability in workforce development for underserved and rural communities. This opportunity would provide critical support to enhance our solution’s reach, effectiveness, and long-term viability.

How the Challenge Can Help Us Overcome Barriers:

1. Funding for Expansion: Winning the Inspire Awards would provide financial resources to expand AeroPathways into new communities, covering program development costs and subsidies for underserved participants.
2. Mentorship and Expertise: Access to Truist Foundation and MIT Solve’s networks would connect us with industry leaders, experts, and mentors to refine our solution and strengthen our business model. Their guidance could help us scale our operations and develop strategic partnerships.
3. Visibility and Awareness: Being recognized by Truist Foundation and MIT Solve would elevate AeroPathways’ credibility, increasing awareness among potential participants, funders, and collaborators.
4. Technology and Delivery Innovations: Through collaboration with MIT Solve, we could integrate advanced technology and innovative delivery methods to make our programs even more impactful and accessible.

This opportunity aligns with our mission to empower mid- and late-career adults by addressing systemic barriers to reskilling and upskilling. With the support of Truist Foundation and MIT Solve, we aim to create a scalable, sustainable model that transforms lives and communities through accessible, industry-aligned workforce training.