How can hands-on STEM experiences translate into sustained career pathways? This session highlights findings from MSUB's pilot Drone STEM Camps, immersive week-long programs serving middle and high school students. Participants built and soldered drones, learned flight operations and FAA safety fundamentals. In our second year, students will apply aerial imagery to authentic regional challenges, connecting engineering design and geospatial analysis to workforce-relevant problem solving. Evaluation data from the pilot indicate increases in student STEM interest, confidence with technical skills, and awareness of aerospace and advanced manufacturing careers. The session will share instructional strategies for integrating drone manufacturing, electrical soldering, flight, and spatial analysis into classroom or informal STEM settings. It will also outline how these camps are being intentionally aligned with Career and Technical Education (CTE) frameworks, community and tribal college pathways, and industry partnerships. Participants will leave with practical models for developing workforce-aligned STEM programming that strengthens career identity, builds technical skills, and connects students to emerging aerospace and geospatial opportunities in Montana and beyond.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 15:15 - 16:15 MDT Norm Hall
