What is the Youth Drone Initiative?

The Youth Drone Initiative was developed to foster collaboration and share safety information and best practices within the youth drone community. This initiative will establish connections with youth organizations to help advance drone aviation as a workforce pathway alongside traditional aviation careers.  

Who can participate?

To participate in the Youth Drone Initiative, you must be a leader, coach or faculty of a school, organization or club that educates or assembles students from ages 11-18.  Participants should have a drone program, offer courses on drones or planning to implement a program or courses. The FAA will host consortium meetings and other events, and distribute drone resources for continued success.

What are the benefits?

Participants in the Youth Drone Initiative will engage directly with the FAA, drone industry, local governments, schools, clubs and groups to cultivate this new drone community. This initiative will provide support and facilitate an open dialogue between youth programs, industry, and government agencies to share regulatory changes, successes, and solutions. In addition, participants will support the FAA's efforts to expand the aviation workforce of the future while providing opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to students.

How to apply

To apply for the Youth Drone Initiative, send a message to 9-FAA-UAS-CTI@FAA.gov with your school, organization or club name and a brief description of your program.