Taking Flight at Big Picture Learning Academy: Charting the Course for Future Tech Leaders

Today, innovation took to the skies at Big Picture Learning Academy (BPLA) in Camden, New Jersey as students officially launched Day One of the BPLA Drone Technology Academy in partnership with Drone Tech Navigators Academy.

During the first week, students received their official flight journals, formed collaborative flight teams, reviewed the full 18-week program roadmap, and immediately dove into their first drone programming challenge—setting the tone for an exciting and hands-on learning experience.

Over the next 18 weeks, BPLA Drone Tech Navigators will:

• Identify and master drone components

• Build drones from the ground up

• Apply FAA TRUST safety principles and professional pre-flight procedures

• Pilot drones with confidence using essential flight maneuvers

• Train with advanced drone flight simulators

• Capture and edit aerial photos and videos

• Write block-based and JavaScript code to automate drone flight

• Collaborate in team-based drone missions

• Explore real-world drone careers and aviation technology pathways

This program is designed to blend aeronautics, engineering, coding, digital media, and safety into one immersive STEM learning journey. Students are not only learning how drones work—they are discovering how these technologies connect to high-demand careers in aviation, robotics, filmmaking, cybersecurity, engineering, and beyond.

🚀 Watch the video below to see our students in action as they begin their journey into the world of drone technology.

This is more than a weekly class—it is the start of a transformational experience in aviation, hands-on engineering, and cutting-edge STEM education.

Welcome to the BPLA Drone Technology Academy in partnership with Drone Tech Navigators Academy— Charting the Course for Future Tech Leaders.