Students in Mrs. Cowell’s Drone Technology Program are doing much more than just playing with toys.

“They are learning the basics, (drone) history, FAA rules and regulations, proper etiquette using personal drones, and they will be building (the drones) and working on their flying skills,” said Karen Cowell drone education teacher at Castaic Middle School.

Touching on multiple disciplines the Drone Technology Program allows students to an opportunity to explore multiple different career paths while keeping up with the latest in technology.

“Some of the kids love the fact that it is a drone and it’s cool and it’s interesting, but as an educator, I like it because it’s relevant and it might open doors to other things they are interested in,” said Cowell.

“I have had students say I don’t really like flying a drone but I like fixing it, or I really want to learn how to program, or I want to create a different drone that uses solar energy to power it, those are the things kids get from these programs.”

This Summer, Santa Clarita Valley teens will have the opportunity to take part in the SCV’s first ever Summer Drone Program.

Hosted by Soaring Sky, the program will allow students to build their own drone and race it through a course they design, all while educating them on a variety of practical skills.

“When you look at the future of the drone industry you are just beginning to see how this technology can positively impact the world,” said Soaring Sky Co-Founder, Ryan Cowell in a press release.

“Looking 10 years into the future, we must prepare the next generation of industry leaders today to ensure that the industry continues to thrive.”

The program will be instructed by Karen Cowell and is scheduled to start June 6. The program is scheduled to run for 4 days from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The total cost is $299 and that includes a drone for the student to take home.

Soaring Sky developed this program in response to growing demand for their full semester drone curriculum, which they offer to districts and classrooms across the nation, according to a press release.

For more on the first ever SCV Summer Drone Program click here.