In 2021, the National Public Safety Drone Donation Program (NPSDDP) began a valuable partnership with Women and Drones to ensure that drones donated to our foundation found a meaningful second life. Sharon Rossmark, CEO of Women and Drones, and Mark Langley, CEO of NPSDDP, collaborated to create an initiative that would facilitate the donation of these older drones to youth-focused STEM education programs.
Since its inception, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of donations supporting this cause. In 2021, we received one donation; in 2022, six donations; and in 2023, four donations. In 2024, we saw a remarkable seven donations, benefiting communities across the United States. Among the states to receive drone donations were Illinois, Oregon, Florida, Indiana, Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, Nevada, Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
This initiative not only supports youth education in STEM fields but also contributes to reducing electronic waste —keeping drones out of landfills — and providing vital tools for the next generation of innovators. We are deeply committed to advancing education in communities across the country, and this partnership with Women and Drones plays a key role.
Empowering the Next Generation through Drone Technology
By donating drones to youth STEM programs, we’re cultivating a generation of students who will be well-versed in cutting-edge technology. Drone technology is at the forefront of a variety of industries, from public safety and agriculture to film making and environmental conservation. Introducing young students to this rapidly growing field opens up a world of possibilities for them both educationally and professionally.
Hands-on experience with drones offers students the opportunity to engage in real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills development. Operating drones requires understanding aerodynamics, electrical engineering, coding, data analysis, and even geography. These are essential skills that align with core STEM concepts and can be applied across a wide array of future careers. Students will gain practical experience with:
Engineering and Design: Many programs will have students work on building and repairing drones, learning about the components that make up drone technology, and gaining insight into fields like mechanical and electrical engineering.
Coding and Software Development: Drones require sophisticated software for navigation, data collection, and even autonomous flight. Students who work with drones can learn about coding, algorithms, and system integration, which are all foundational skills for future tech careers.
Geospatial Science: Drones are extensively used in geospatial data collection and analysis. As students work with drones, they are exposed to GPS technology, mapping, surveying, and data analytics—skills that are highly relevant in fields like urban planning, environmental science, and logistics.
Problem-Solving and Innovation: Through flight exercises, students will face challenges that require creative thinking and problem-solving. These hands-on experiences teach them how to troubleshoot issues, think critically, and collaborate effectively to find solutions—valuable skills no matter what career path they choose.
Additionally, the integration of drones into STEM curricula has the potential to spark interest in fields that are traditionally underrepresented by women and minorities. Drone technology has seen tremendous growth in recent years, but the industry is still evolving and has a need for diverse talent. Programs like the ones we support can encourage young girls, underrepresented minorities, and students from diverse backgrounds to see themselves as future leaders in the drone and tech industries.
Building a Future in Tech and Public Safety
Equipping students with drone technology not only helps them develop technical expertise but also broadens their understanding of how drones are transforming industries like public safety. Connecting youth to drones through educational programs shows them how these tools can be used for good—whether it’s saving lives, protecting communities, or monitoring the environment. In understanding how drones are used in search and rescue missions, firefighting, disaster response, and law enforcement, students can aspire to pursue careers in public service, engineering, or technology.
As drones become increasingly vital to public safety and disaster response, it’s essential that the next generation is prepared to take up the mantle. Through this partnership, students are not just learning to fly drones–they are learning about their applications in real-world scenarios. They are also learning about potential career paths in public safety, emergency response, and law enforcement.
A Greener Future: Reducing Electronic Waste
In addition to providing educational opportunities, this initiative also has a positive environmental impact. By rehoming drones that may no longer be useful for public safety purposes, we help reduce unnecessary electronic waste and keep old drones out of landfills. Many of these drones still have value in educational settings, and we are proud to give them a second life in schools and community programs. This not only aligns with sustainability goals but also encourages the next generation to think critically about the environment and the importance of recycling and repurposing technology.
How You Can Make a Difference
To further support this effort, we encourage readers to consider donating any used drones that may no longer be suitable for public safety work. The criteria for donation include:
- The drone must be functional and able to fly.
- The drone must have at least one battery and a working camera.
- Older model drones with no flight capabilities can still be considered for the program, provided that parts are available.
Our goal is to continue supplying public safety agencies with operational drones while ensuring that drones that are no longer in service can still benefit local youth education programs. Through donations like these, we are not only supporting public safety efforts but also empowering young minds to explore STEM fields, potentially sparking a lifelong interest in technology and innovation.
We are immensely grateful to Women and Drones for their continued partnership in this important initiative. We invite everyone to join us in making a difference. If you have a drone you would like to donate, please contact us to learn more about how you can help.
To see the impact of these donations, visit our YouTube channel, where we showcase the communities we’ve supported. Your support through likes, comments, and shares helps us continue to grow this mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
