Rhodes State College (RSC) in Lima, Ohio has established itself as a leading institute for higher education. The public community college shares a campus with Ohio State University at Lima, giving it a large campus feel with the benefits of small community college class sizes and reduced tuition fees. But what has truly set RSC apart is the fact that nearly 50% of its 3,324 students are still in high school.

Though the United States is facing an employee shortage crisis in the wake of COVID19, the nation still has a highly competitive job market. Having the tools to make it professionally means having some degree of a college education. The programs offered at community colleges like RSC prepare students for jobs they can get right out of school. One of the fastest growing markets that schools like RSC are preparing students for is the drone industry. There are many positions available in the drone industry that do not require formal education. The bare minimum someone needs is to obtain a Part 107, the license required to commercially operate drones by the FAA.

RSC offers a range of courses that will train prospective drone pilots to pass the Part 107 exam. The college also has courses on how to maintain and repair drones, the history of drones, and how drones are applicable. Knowing that it is key to present drone education early on, RSC has been offering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs for students in middle through high school. Ashley Hunter, Youth Programming and Community Education Coordinator at RSC, is in charge of coordinating the programs that have become hugely popular, especially after schools experienced extended shutdowns because of COVID19.

This past summer Ashley ran one of RSC’s most successful summer camps ever. More than 100 local middle school kids got to participate in STEM based sessions that included enrichment in everything from art, biology, computers, and of course, drones. “I think it’s great because it gives kids something to look forward to in the summer and gives them a chance to interact with other kids,” Ashley said. “We have more than 16 different school districts here just this week. It gives the kids something fun to do, and they’re at the great age right now where they’re still deciding what they want to do. This kind of gives them hands-on experience to learn things and it also shows them things that Rhodes has to offer.” The college also put together take-home kits for kids who were not able to join programs in person, but still wanted a chance to immerse themselves in the program.

RSC has already announced a return of the STEM summer camp for 2022. In the meantime, Ashley is refocusing on the many high school students participating in RSC courses. She recently announced 3 upcoming mini sessions for those interested in a future in drone technology. The sessions will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, January 8, and March 5, 2022, from 10 AM to 12 PM. Each session will cost $24, or students can attend all 3 sessions for a bargain of only $49. By attending these drone programs, students have the opportunity to plan for their futures. They can even apply for a Part 107 by the age of 16 and begin earning an income before they even enroll in college.