Jump Start Drones!

K-12 STEAM education

South LA South Bay LAUSD (select only if you have a district-wide partnership) Long Beach

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The drone industry in the United States faces significant racial and gender disparities, reflecting broader inequities in access to STEM education and professional opportunities. Despite the rapid growth and high-paying potential of drone-related careers, women and people from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups comprise only a small fraction of licensed drone pilots. Barriers such as limited access to training programs, insufficient mentorship opportunities, and socioeconomic challenges restrict diversity in the field. This gap perpetuates inequities and limits the innovation potential of the industry by excluding diverse perspectives crucial for the advancement of aerial robotics and technology applications. Addressing this issue requires targeted initiatives that provide equitable pathways into drone technology for marginalized communities.

In 2024, The Engineer Factory launched the Jump Start Drone (JSD) Program to create clear and equitable pathways into the field of drone technology for residents of South Los Angeles and neighboring communities.
The program consists of two distinct components tailored to meet the needs of different age groups:
1. JSD Jr.
Designed for middle and high school students, this 10-week program introduces participants to the fundamentals of drone technology. Students learn drone flight using controllers, explore drone programming and coding, and study safety protocols. The program concludes with an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their skills by competing in the REC Aerial Drone Competition, encouraging teamwork, innovation, and real-world application of STEM skills. We plan to host a REC competition in 2026, which will be their first drone competition in South LA!
2. JSD Young Adults
Targeted at individuals aged 16–24, this track prepares participants to enter the workforce with in-demand drone operation skills. Participants receive coaching to pass the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Exam, along with hands-on training in drone flight, programming, and safety. Upon certification, students continue with intermediate training focused on industry-specific flight applications—such as emergency response, entertainment production, and environmental monitoring—equipping them for careers in high-growth sectors.

The Jump Start Drone (JSD) Program will positively impact Los Angeles by expanding access to high-demand technology training for underserved youth and young adults, particularly in South LA. By equipping participants with FAA certification, hands-on drone flight skills, and exposure to industry applications, JSD prepares a new, diverse workforce for emerging careers in public safety, environmental monitoring, entertainment, and infrastructure inspection.
This program reduces barriers to entry into STEM fields, helping close opportunity gaps for communities historically underrepresented in tech. As a result, Los Angeles benefits from a more inclusive, future-ready talent pipeline, increased civic engagement, and safer, smarter use of drone technology in sectors that directly serve the public good.
Ultimately, JSD fosters economic mobility, strengthens local industries, and empowers young Angelenos to lead in a growing field that aligns with the city’s innovation and equity goals.