In Episode 9 of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Lisa Swartzwelder and Nikki Stancampiano from the PAST Foundation to explore how education, industry, and emerging technology come together to shape the future workforce.
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.
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.
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.
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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