THE AERIAL DRONE COMPETITION: STUDENT DRONE PROGRAM IN THE US SOARS TO NEW EDUCATIONAL HEIGHTS
At the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics–Morganton, computer science instructor Matt Hilton is shaping far more than technical skills—he’s building a thriving, inclusive robotics community from the ground up. Since the campus opened in 2022, Hilton has fostered a program where students of all backgrounds feel welcome, whether they’re seasoned builders or brand-new to robotics. His student-centered approach empowers learners to take ownership of their experience, organizing their own teams, managing schedules and budgets, and driving their design decisions with Hilton serving as a supportive guide. This hands-on leadership model is already paying off. All four VEX V5 Robotics Competition teams reached the North Carolina State Championship this past season, with Team 56727D earning the Skills Champion Award and two teams qualifying for the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship— remarkable achievements for such a young program. Beyond trophies, the robotics culture Hilton has cultivated emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual support, helping students grow into confident leaders on and off the competition field.
The Aerial Drone Competition’s Mission 2025: Gravity, hosted by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), celebrated another exciting season for thousands of middle and high school students nationwide. With the drone industry projected to exceed $128 billion by 2030, the program provides timely, hands-on learning that aligns with real-world growth in aerospace, technology, and robotics. Supported by major partners like NASA, DoD STEM, and Google.org, the competition features a lightweight programmable drone, giving students practical experience and exposure to future career pathways. This season, over 11,000 students across 42 states participated in local and national events that emphasize teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Participants worked together to complete four missions designed to challenge their technical abilities and strategic thinking— an experience that RECF leaders say prepares students to become the innovators of tomorrow. Want to learn more about this high-flying STEM experience? Be sure to read more!
We want everyone to feel like they belong in robotics, whether they’ve been building robots for years or are totally new.
The Aerial Drone Competition offers a dynamic, fun, and engaging STEM educational experience that prepares students with the skills they need to become tomorrow’s leading innovators for a variety of industries that require the many uses for drone expertise.
MEET MATT HILTON: EMPOWERING STUDENT LEADERS THROUGH VEX ROBOTICS
Curious to see how far these student-led teams can go? Dive into the full story and get inspired.
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