Celebrating Women's Success in the Girls Take Flight Drone Program

Girls Take Flight aims to educate high school girls about the drone industry, help them become FAA remote pilot certified, and become proficient with flying a commercial-type drone. Despite the continued growth of the drone industry, women represent less than 8% of drone pilots. Since the pilot program in 2018, 43 girls have earned their part 107 remote pilot certification, which accounts for almost 20% of all female drone pilots under 18 years of age in the U.S. Girls Take Flight is part of the SD SciTech programs at the Elementary Institute of Science in southeastern San Diego.

Girls Take Flight is not just about skill building. Through female leadership, the program addresses the societal barriers and biases that constrain girls’ engagement in STEM studies and careers. Female STEM professionals from leading tech companies in the San Diego region visit EIS to give presentations to share firsthand what a career in tech is like. These women share their knowledge, personal stories, and challenges to inspire girls’ interest and ongoing engagement in STEM. By introducing our students to women in technology, we begin to transform popular images and beliefs of who “belongs” in STEM.

Bringing a new program to life is a huge undertaking. Challenges in the first year included balancing time within class for students to study for the remote pilot exam and fly a drone to build their skill sets, determining a program schedule that will keep students engaged, and finding field trips and guest speakers that provides students the opportunity to connect with industry experts and leaders.

The first year was a success thanks to then Project Manager Anjelica Thang. She worked with Kristen Koeblin, the prior Director of Education for Robolink and led the curriculum with the use of CoDrone during drone camp. During the practicum, Desi Ekstein, an experienced commercial sUAS pilot and FAA Part 107 certified, was the co-lead. Support also came from Jim Stone and Anthonette Pena, who were the prior Executive Director and Education Director.

“Working collaboratively with these two amazing women who were experts in their field allowed us to bring forth a program that was both educational and engaging for students. During the drone practicum, students expressed enjoyment at having Desi as an instructor as she brought a plethora of knowledge to the classroom, made concepts for studying for the remote pilot exam easier to understand, and encouraged them throughout the journey.

The students also expressed their excitement for participating in the program and gratification when they became FAA Part 107 remote pilot certified. They enjoyed the opportunity to make friendships with others attending different schools, and they were excited to display their newfound skills and knowledge. I think this is one experience that they will remember for some time.” Anjelica Thang, Senior Research Analyst, Center for Sustainable Energy.

The third and fourth years of Girls Take Flight was co-instructed by Vanesa Dominguez whose background in computer science and coding was especially helpful for students learning how to code their drones to fly.

The comprehensive approach where students dive into the theoretical aspects required for the FAA exam, the hands on experience, and the emphasis on professionalism stand out to Desi Ekstein.

?“As the program evolves into its sixth year, it's heartening to witness the tangible impact it has had on its participants. Many of the girls have embraced the skills they acquired, with some even venturing into entrepreneurship by purchasing drones and earning income through their operation. Others have leveraged their experience as a stepping stone to higher education, building upon the strong foundation laid by Girls Take Flight.

Perhaps the most inspiring are the stories of those who have taken their drone expertise beyond borders, engaging in humanitarian efforts in other countries. It's a testament to how this program not only empowers young women, but also nurtures a sense of global citizenship and compassion.

In essence, Girls Take Flight isn't just about teaching girls to fly drones; it's about empowering them to soar to new heights, both personally and professionally. As it continues to shape the future of young women in the field of aviation, one can't help but be excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead.” Desi Ekstein

The leadership of Desi Ekstein, the numerous women drone professionals who support students, and the alumnae who return as instructors and role models inspire Kitrina Carr, the current Project Manager of Girls Take Flight.

“Girls Take Flight builds a community for high school girls unlike any that?I have seen. I am amazed at everything our students accomplish during their week of Drone Camp - which can be an intense week, especially for those who have never coded to fly a drone.

Observing their confidence on the flight field and watching them improve over the practicum is such a proud feeling, only to be surpassed when the girls would message our group chat that they passed their part 107 drone certification test- and the overwhelming congratulatory texts that followed! Girls Take Flight is more than an opportunity to gain exposure to the drone world, it is a family that I have been honored to be a part of.” Kitrina Carr, Technology Programs Manager.

In 2021, EIS began collaborating with Our Genetic Legacy to provide program graduates with additional drone opportunities. Our Genetic Legacy offers opportunities for Girls Take Flight graduates to refine and broaden their mapping skills.

“Since the inception of the DRONe Project and the initial conversation with Jim Stone, EIS has played a pivotal role as a major supporter of our program. Partnering with EIS has proven to be an incredibly enriching experience for both parties.” ?Shellie Baxter, Founding CEO of Our Genetic Legacy. Learn more about Girls Take Flight at?SDSciTech.org.

Visit?OurGeneticLegacy.org?to learn about their programs for youth and help them raise funds to continue their drone-mapping project in London!