According to the California University of Pennsylvania “Drone Careers” web page, “The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International predicts that there will be more than 100,000 new jobs in unmanned aircraft and drone technology by 2025, and the global market for commercial applications of drone technology is expected to reach $127 million by 2020.”  Some of the existing job opportunities Include Agriculture (farm and crop scouting, crop mapping), Business and Industry (delivery, insurance and property inspection, public utilities), Public Service, Military and First Responders, Journalism, and the Entertainment Industry to name a few.

 With the potential economic impact of drones on our future, getting youth interested and oriented to the proper and safe use of drone technology will also help them build their employability skills. The introduction of youth to both piloted and autonomous drone technology early will allow for the development of not only piloting skills but also practical applications of Computer Science and coding skills. 

 Using curriculum developed by the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and PITSCO Education, youth participants will have the opportunity to develop their drone piloting and programming for autonomous flight skills, participate in real-life problem-solving scenarios, develop, and enhance their teamwork and communication skills, explore career paths, and learn more about how drones can be used in a positive manner to improve quality of life.

 Currently, fifteen Kentucky counties (twenty-nine 4-H Professionals, Program Assistants and Volunteers) have attended training and are piloting the new 4-H Drone project. Seven of those counties have submitted detailed plans to receive start-up funding ($250.00 each). Two counties have secured over $8,000 in local funding for their county 4-H Drone project.

 In addition, 54 youth from throughout Kentucky have experienced the Kentucky 4-H Drone project through the 2022 and 2023 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference and Drone day camps in 2023.

 Funding has been secured through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation for adding more 4-H Drone Project pilot counties and the current plan is to host a 4-H Drone Challenge in Cloverville during 4-H SET Day at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair.