Connecting Students, Educators, and Industry in the Drone Economy

Q1: What is the PAST Foundation and what makes it unique?

Lisa: PAST Foundation is an education R&D laboratory based in Columbus, Ohio. We act as a conduit between industry, school districts, teachers, and students. Our work blends anthropology with science and technology to connect learning to real life and prepare students for the future.

Q2: Why did PAST Foundation choose to integrate drones into its workforce development programs?

Q3: How does the partnership with USI support students and educators?

Nikki: USI brings industry aligned standards, safety management, and human factors into our programs. Teachers gain exposure and credentials, and students learn beyond minimum requirements with a strong focus on safety and operational readiness.

Q4:  Can you share a student success story connected to this partnership?

Nikki: Students like Suhaima and Matthew earned their Part 107 certification and worked with industry mentors. They were able to secure paid drone work while still in high school.
Lisa: From an industry perspective, mentoring these students through a framework supported by USI benefits everyone involved and strengthens workforce readiness.

Q5: What is the long-term vision for PAST Foundation and USI?

Lisa: The goal is to build scalable pathways that connect K through 12 education directly to industry.
Nikki: Together with USI, we are creating programs that align education, safety standards, and workforce needs.

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