District unveils Performance Drone Team pilot to give students FAA certification and paid internship pathways
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Summary
Peninsula School District announced an innovation program to create a student performance drone team — an ASB-run club and an internship pathway that will include FAA Part 107 certification, animation, choreography and paid show production opportunities.
Peninsula School District on April 22 unveiled a new innovation program to develop a student Performance Drone Team, a pilot program the district said will be only the second of its kind in the U.S. and the first in Washington.
The program will combine current district courses (FAA Part 107 drone certification, computer science) with ASB-run clubs, animation and choreography work, and a paid internship pathway that can lead directly to work-based learning and resume development, innovation lead Mel told the board.
Why it matters: The district framed the project as career-connected learning that combines technical, creative and project-management skills. Students will learn to fly drones, code and animate flight choreography and — for higher-responsibility roles — work in paid internships that support public shows and contracted events.
Student and program details
- Early launch: The program will introduce ASB programming at Gig Harbor and Peninsula High School in May, with plans to expand to other secondary schools.
- Skill development and credentials: Students will have the opportunity to pursue FAA Part 107 training and certifications, animation and coding coursework, and choreograph full-scale drone light performances.
- Paid internships and contracting: The district plans to develop a paid internship and production pathway that will enable students to run shows and gain real contracting experience; district leaders said the team could perform district events and accept external contracts.
Student founder Zachary Schley, a junior at Gig Harbor High School, described how his experience with drones led to interests in aerial photography, 3-D animation and leadership. “This program is designed to offer other students the same kind of experience drones provide in a practical introduction to technology and aviation,” Zachary said.
Partnerships and mentorship: District staff said they are being mentored by a Colorado-based team with hands-on experience producing drone performances; district staff also flagged the potential for students to move into paid work on shows after graduation.
Next steps and timeline: The district posted program details on the website the afternoon of the meeting and said it will begin ASB recruitment for fall and expand pathways to internships and work-based learning. The innovation team intends to stage public performances in future months and will return to the board with details on equipment, safety protocols and funding as the program develops.
Ending: Board members praised the program’s blend of technical and creative learning; the district said it will continue to brief the board and post updates on recruitment and show plans.
