IUP Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program Trains 18 Pennsylvania Educators in Cutting-Edge Drone Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANA, PA – June 26, 2025 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems program, in partnership with Aerium, successfully concluded a comprehensive three-day educator workshop that will bring drone technology and aviation curriculum to more than 1,615 students across Pennsylvania.

The June 24-26 workshop trained 18 secondary educators from 16 different school districts, equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and technology needed to implement aviation programs in their home institutions. Each participating teacher received a professional drone, flight training materials, Part 107 test preparation books, and access to graduate credits through California Aeronautical University.

"This workshop represents a significant step forward in building sustainable pipelines for future aviation professionals," said Dr. John Benhart, director of the IUP Uncrewed Aircraft Systems programs and Aerium LLC board member, who led the training. "By empowering educators with hands-on experience and comprehensive curriculum materials, we're creating a multiplier effect that will impact thousands of students across Pennsylvania."

Expanding Statewide Impact

The 2025 workshop builds on the program's previous success, bringing the two-year cumulative impact to 33 teachers trained across more than 20 school districts, with 3,365 students now having access to aviation curriculum and career pathway information spanning 10 Pennsylvania counties.

Glenn Ponas, Executive Director of Aerium, emphasized the broader vision for the program's expansion. "Through training at IUP and the upcoming training at The Pilot Mind Institute in Pittston, PA, later this summer, Aerium and its partners will be able to accelerate the creation of commercial drone pilot programs statewide," Ponas said. "The educators' experiences at training will form the foundation for preparing students to use drones as a tool in career fields such as HVAC, first responder, or agriculture, or to prepare for careers with drone companies in which they design, manufacture, fly, and maintain drones as their core business."

The comprehensive training included specialized flight training using "hover boards" from Pilot's Mind, enabling educators to gain practical experience before returning to their classrooms. This hands-on approach ensures teachers feel confident implementing drone technology and aviation concepts with their students.

Addressing Critical Workforce Needs

With the aviation industry experiencing rapid growth and increasing demand for skilled professionals, particularly in the emerging uncrewed aircraft systems sector, Pennsylvania's educational institutions are positioning themselves at the forefront of workforce development. The workshop directly addresses this need by introducing cutting-edge technology and career pathway information to secondary students.

"Ultimately PA students win because they leave school with essential drone-related skills that they can apply in the profession of their choice," Ponas noted, highlighting the program's impact on student preparedness for diverse career paths.

"We're not just teaching about drones – we're opening doors to future careers in one of the fastest-growing industries in America," Benhart explained. "These educators are now equipped to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals."

About the Program

The IUP Uncrewed Aircraft Systems program workshop is designed to accelerate the growth of aviation education throughout Pennsylvania's school districts and educational organizations. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between higher education and industry partners to ensure students have access to relevant, technology-driven STEM education.

Participating educators return to their districts with comprehensive resources, including curriculum materials specifically tailored for secondary education, professional equipment, and ongoing support from the IUP team.

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Aerium's Next Partnership Training:

For Pennsylvania secondary institutions who missed this opportunity, Aerium's next partnership training will take place August 4-6, 2025, at The Pilot Mind Drone Academy headquarters in Pittston, PA. This free three-day workshop, led by Dr. John Duesler, Managing Director of The Pilot Mind Drone Academy and Aerium board member, will provide K-12 teachers and administrators with curriculum development tools for integrating drone technology into secondary education. Participating educators will receive expert-led instruction and a free drone to take back to their school (up to two drones per academic building) to enhance their institution's STEM offerings and prepare students for careers in aviation and drone technology. See details (here).

About Aerium:

Aerium drives innovation in aviation and aerospace by supporting emerging businesses and developing the skilled workforce needed for today and the future. Through strategic partnerships, Aerium positions Pennsylvania as a national leader in aviation and aerospace by: accelerating the commercialization of next-generation technologies, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), and crewed aircraft, and training the professionals who will build, operate, and sustain them.