Program Description: This 3–phase STEM program empowers 10th & 11th grade girls from Title I high schools in San Diego’s underserved communities, providing hands-on drone training, engineering skills, and mentorship to address gender and racial disparities in aviation & robotics STEM. It fosters STEM interest and self-confidence, while offering pathways to higher education and high-wage technical certifications, from Spring Drone Camp to an intensive practicum (120–160 hours) to the opportunity to earn FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.

Results/Challenges: The grant was used for staffing costs and participant stipends. The program expanded to Spring Drone Camp(50 students), practicum (17 students), FAA certification (9 students) . Students also engaged with community partners (Scripps Institute of Oceanography, SDG&E and BAE Systems).

Girls Take Flight participants report:

• Increased engagement in STEM subjects
• 100% pursued post-secondary education
• Increased skills in robotics and engineering
• An increased awareness of STEM careers

The program’s time-intensive nature and the under-representation of women in STEM create barriers to scale. A shortage of female instructors as well as the participants’ economic pressures also present challenges. Girls Take Flight addresses the latter challenge by equipping students with flexible, high-demand skills that lessen their need to work long hours to support themselves during college, thereby improving retention and graduation outcomes.

Sustainability & Future Plans: Well-funded by the likes of Boeing and General Atomics, it plans to expand partnerships, continue alumni instructor engagement and continue as a model for equity-driven, sustainable STEM education.