We educate and inspire students ages 10–18 through hands-on drone programs, flight simulators, and clear pathways into aviation careers — right here in North Carolina.
✓ Free training available · ✓ Ages 10–18 (Grades 5–12) · ✓ No experience required
Watch students take flight for the first time
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Founded in 2020 in Davidson, North Carolina, Drones2Jets is an aviation STEM nonprofit dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of aviators. We serve students ages 10–18 (5th through 12th grade) across the NC area — with a goal to expand our programs nationally.
Through hands-on drone programs, flight simulators, school partnerships, and mentorship from active aviation professionals, we make aviation accessible to every student regardless of background or experience. From your first drone flight to the cockpit of a jet — we build the bridge.
See How It Works →Your first step into aviation
Science, math & navigation
Licenses, scholarships & jobs
A structured journey from first drone flight to a career in the skies.
Hands-on drone building and flying. Airspace basics, safety, and real flight. Open to students ages 10–18 (grades 5–12). Zero experience required.
6–8 weeksSchool-based curriculum covering aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, and physics — all taught through the lens of flight.
Semester programSimulator sessions, airport visits, and introductory flights at our partner flight schools across NC for qualifying students.
OngoingScholarships, mentorship with active pilots, FAA Part 107 certification, and direct pathways into aviation degree programs.
High school+After-school and in-class drone programs for students ages 10–14 in the Davidson, NC area. We bring the equipment — students bring the curiosity.
Bring it to your schoolSemester-long STEM curriculum, simulator access, airport field trips, FAA Part 107 prep, and scholarship connections for grades 9–12.
Apply nowWe train teachers and provide turnkey aviation STEM curriculum, lesson plans, and equipment to bring flight into any classroom.
Partner with usDual-enrollment pathways with NC community colleges for seamless credit transfer into aviation degree and certificate programs statewide.
Learn more"My daughter had never thought about aviation as a career. After one Drones2Jets after-school session, she came home and said she wanted to be a pilot. That was two years ago — she just passed her FAA written exam."
LPLisa P. Parent · Durham, NC
North Carolina's public airports already support 427,000 jobs generating $34 billion in personal income annually — and the pipeline is accelerating fast. JetZero's $4.7 billion facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport alone is projected to create more than 14,500 new jobs. Nationally, Boeing projects 119,000 pilots needed in North America over the next 20 years. Drones2Jets ensures NC students are inspired, trained, and ready to fill those seats.
Sources: NCDOT Aviation Economic Impact Study · JetZero / PTI Airport Announcement · Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook 2024 · CAE Aviation Talent Forecast 2025
Join the Movement →Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or funder — there's a seat for you on this mission. Tell us who you are and we'll take it from there.
Your donation funds scholarships, flight simulators, drone equipment, and program access for students ages 10–18 who couldn't otherwise afford it. Every dollar moves a student closer to the cockpit.
Every purchase supports our aviation STEM programs. Wear the mission.
Browse our official Drones2Jets merchandise. Every purchase directly supports our aviation STEM programs for students ages 10–18.
Shop Drones2Jets Merch →You'll be taken to our official store at drones2jetsmerch.creator-spring.com