About

The Louisiana ASPIRE – Aerial Systems Pilot Instruction & Resource Endeavor – program is designed to enhance the unmanned aerial system (UAS) operator workforce by focusing on the development and ongoing support of high school educators from across Louisiana.

ASPIRE’s overarching goal is to equip Louisiana high school educators with the expertise and resources to offer their students comprehensive education and training toward becoming proficient UAS operators by graduation. ASPIRE is funded through the FAA’s Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) Program, providing professional development to high school educators and delivering curriculum to prepare high school students to become unmanned aerial systems operators.

Through a well-structured train-the-trainer model developed by Advanced Aerial Education (AAE), each summer the program will assemble a cohort of 20 high school educators from across Louisiana for an intensive 10-day professional development program delivered at Walker High School in Walker, LA. This program is FREE, and daily stipends are offered to participants. The 10-day session will not only enable them to attain FAA Part 107 certification as UAS pilots but will also furnish them with curriculum materials and logistical support to successfully integrate UAS training into their home schools' curricula or extracurricular activities and better prepare their students for careers in the aviation industry.

The Louisiana ASPIRE Program addresses the FAA’s objectives of helping participants acquire good-paying jobs, supporting underrepresented populations across the state, and promoting inclusive economic development. Through its comprehensive plan, partnerships, outreach initiatives, monitoring mechanisms, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, the project contributes to a more equitable and skilled workforce while stimulating local economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Visit “For Teachers” to learn more and apply!