Teach STEM in Black Belt with Drones

The Greater Alabama Black Belt Region STEM Initiative aims to increase college readiness among students from the Black Belt Region of Alabama by expanding their content knowledge in core subject areas, allowing them to progress along a path toward college and university admission and successful studies in STEM fields. 

Since 2018, STEM Summer Academies have been held for five weeks each summer for students in grades 6-11 from Alabama Black Belt counties. During the academies, students participate in math, science, and English courses taught by Auburn University graduate students. These courses are complemented by hands-on activities, virtual simulations, and field trips to locations such as the Auburn University Regional Airport, the NASA U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, and the Southern Company’s aerial services facility in Birmingham. 

This Tiger Giving Day project will allow us to increase the hands-on component of the Academies by purchasing 40 additional DJI Ryze Tello drones. 

This will enable more of our students to participate in the building, configuring, and programming of the drones, while at the same time applying concepts from engineering design, physical science (motion and force), computer science (coding and programming), and mathematics (algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus). 

Past academies have shown that student test scores in math and science have improved by as much as 30 points, or three full letter grades, over the course of the program. Students have also shown increases in their levels of self-confidence to succeed in school, interest in STEM careers, and commitment to go to college. 

Your gift will allow more students from Alabama’s Black Belt region to be better prepared for college, enroll at Auburn University, and enter the nation’s STEM workforce. Thank you for your support, and War Eagle!