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What happens when you put a drone in the hands of a student who never thought they’d be interested in STEM? According to the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)’s Louann Cormier, the results are nothing short of transformational.
One of the best ways to pique that interest is through the Aerial Drone Competition. The fun STEM event is now the largest student-centered drone program in the U.S., and it’s changing the game for middle and high school students nationwide. Through friendly competition, students get hands-on experience in piloting, coding and teamwork.
I sat down with Louann Cormier, a senior program manager at RECF to dive into how the competition is shaping the future of STEM education. She’s seen why drones have such a powerful impact on students. And yes, they’re more than just high-tech toys; they’re a gateway to critical thinking, career opportunities and personal growth.
Do you know an awesome drone girl I should profile? Contact me here.
Louann Cormier of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. (Image courtesy of RECF)
Here’s our conversation:
The Drone Girl: What inspired you to start working with drones and join the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)?
Louann Cormier: I started as a parent volunteer in competitive robotics, supporting my children in the program. Over the years, I took on roles as a coach, event partner and advocate before joining RECF as a Regional Support Manager. I’ve always had a passion for aviation, which led me to earning a BS in Aviation Management, obtaining my private pilot’s license, and flying drones for enjoyment.
When the RECF launched its drone program, it was a perfect fit. Now, I get to combine my love for aviation, drones, youth development and competitions – all in one role.
DG: Amazing combination! So can you share what the Aerial Drone Competition by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) actually is?
LC: Teams compete in four missions: teamwork, piloting, autonomous flight, and communications. While drones are certainly the highlight of the Aerial Drone Competition, it’s so much more than that. Not only do teams learn how to fly and code drones, but students also learn teamwork, decision-making, critical thinking, and communication skills.
DG: Okay, well that kind of leads to my next question. What makes this so unique from the other robotics competitions out there?
LC: Students learn to navigate challenges and setbacks in a supportive environment, building resilience and problem-solving skills for the future. Since all events are indoors, the focus stays on completing the different missions, not the weather.
DG: And you’re not subject to FAA regulations that way either! They only regulated airspace outside. Smart! Okay, so what kind of feedback have you received from students and coaches throughout the competition season?
LC: The most common story I hear is how this program transforms students. It usually starts like this: “See that student over there? They didn’t like school, never engaged in class, and weren’t interested in any programs.” Then, we put a drone in their hands and invited them to join the team, and everything changed. Now, they’re smiling, communicating, and engaging.
DG: Oh my gosh, I love that! And I’m not surprised.
LC: Yes. I’ll hear that they now show up for class, do their homework and take pride in their work because they want to stay on the team. Beyond technical skills, their confidence grows. A student who once avoided speaking now collaborates with teammates, strategizes with alliance partners, and presents to judges.
DG: The power of drones!
LC: The drone program isn’t just about flying. It’s about unlocking potential and having fun while learning.
DG: Okay, well you might have already answered this question already too, hah! But, what is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
LC: The smiles on the student’s faces! At every competition, I hear stories from coaches, teachers and mentors about students who finally see their hard work pay off. It’s not just about high scores or awards; it’s about that fist-pump moment when they nail a landing or solve a problem they’ve been working on for weeks.
DG: I need to go to one of these competitions!
LC: Yes, it’s so rewarding when they come upon the realization that I can do this. That’s what truly matters. Seeing that confidence grow, watching students push past challenges and knowing this program is making a difference is the best part of my job.
DG: So I’m curious. Are you seeing an increase in student participation in the Aerial Drone Competition?
LC: Drones continue to be a hot topic, and students see them and say, “That’s cool, I want to do that!” We’re seeing a surge in interest, not just from traditional STEM students who love math and physics but from a whole new group of learners. These bright, passionate students are now engaging with STEM in a hands-on, exciting way.
DG: What do you think drives that growth?
LC: Many come from the video gaming world, where they constantly strategize, manage resources and solve complex challenges. These same skills apply to the Aerial Drone Competition to manage time, optimize teamwork and execute a mission. Students thrive and use their problem-solving skills in the real world. This program opens doors for students who never saw themselves in STEM, making it so powerful.
DG: Now my understanding is that you have some big names involved in partnering with or supporting the Aerial Drone Competition.
LC: At a corporate level, we’re proud to be supported by NASA and Google.org, which gives grants to our teams. The Aerial Drone Competition features the Robolink CoDrone EDU, a versatile, programmable drone designed for education. These partnerships provide students with hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world careers.
At a local level, you will find people from drone and tech companies, local law enforcement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), universities and many residents volunteering their time at competitions, such as referees or judges.
DG: Now this is the fastest-growing student-centered drone program in the U.S.
LC: In just four seasons, the Aerial Drone Competition has soared from 381 teams in 28 states to over 2,000 teams across 48 states and Washington, D.C.
DG: Wow! Over those four seasons, have you noticed any surprising developments or milestones?
LC: With an even split between middle and high school teams, competition is fierce — but not always in the way you’d expect. Middle school students consistently hold their own against high schoolers, often winning awards through focus, determination and practice. This competition isn’t about age or size but strategy, skill and perseverance.
DG: Hah, well you know I am always rooting for the little guy!
LC: Every team competes on a level playing field, using the same drone, which removes accessibility barriers and keeps the focus on innovation. No matter their grade level, students who work and think strategically rise to the top.
DG: Super cool. So how do you see drone technology evolving over the next few years, and what impact could this have on students participating in the program?
LC: It’s hard to know where drone technology will be since there seems to be new advancements happening almost every day. However, as drone technology expands, so do the opportunities for students to innovate and lead in their fields.
More industries are leveraging the benefits of using drones such as construction, movie making, and farming. For students, it’s a great advantage to gain valuable experience, and employers get skilled workers ready to adapt to new technology. As drone technology expands, so do the opportunities for students to innovate and lead in their fields.
Louann Cormier of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. (Image courtesy of RECF)
DG: Okay so I’m just curious to go through a day in your life. What would you say that looks like?
LC: I start each day with a cup of tea and do some puzzles, like Connections, to get my brain working. Then I mostly help answer questions for teams and event partners as they organize upcoming events. As a program manager, I get to do fun things like test the next season’s game elements and prototypes. I often travel to competitions to see all the magic happen and talk to parents, coaches and public officials about the Aerial Drone Competition.
DG: And speaking of those in-person events, there are many! I know people can find those on the REC-F’s events page.
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– BlueHalo and GrandSKY, the nation’s first commercial business park focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), announced a formal agreement today through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). The collaboration will promote the integration of BlueHalo’s next- generation autonomous systems, layered air defense solutions, hypersonic telemetry, and airspace command and control technologies into GrandSKY’s facilities […]
