Students Train on DJI Neo Drones in New Missouri Program

In a high school in Webb City, Missouri, a classroom is buzzing with a new kind of energy. The school district has used grant funds to purchase a fleet of 15 DJI Neo drones, giving students a hands-on opportunity to master the future of flight and earn their pilot licenses.

This isn’t just a fun elective; it’s a powerful STEM program that is giving these 35 students a direct on-ramp to high-demand careers in a booming industry. KSN16 reported about and told us. It’s a smart, forward-thinking investment in the next generation of pilots, creators, and innovators.

More Than Just Flying

The program, led by teacher Bruce VonderHarr, is designed to show students the vast potential of drone technology. While they’ll certainly have fun filming slick videos, the curriculum is focused on the real-world applications that are transforming industries everywhere.

As VonderHarr notes, “Emergency services, agriculture, real estate, construction—drones are popping up everywhere.” The local police department recently acquired a drone, and as he points out, someone needs to be trained to fly it. This program is designed to give Webb City students the skills to be that person.

The students are thrilled. Hudson Spikereit, a student in the program, is excited about the production possibilities, recognizing that drones are now a staple in everything from concert stages to live sports. For these kids, it’s a chance to turn a passion into a profession.

The DJI Neo: A Perfect Classroom Tool

The DJI Neo, with its 4K camera and solid flight time, is an excellent choice for a program like this. It’s a capable and user-friendly drone that gives students a real taste of what professional-grade equipment can do, without the intimidating price tag of a larger enterprise model.

It’s the perfect platform for them to learn the fundamentals of flight, cinematography, and, most importantly, safety. Before they can fly off-campus, the students must pass a test, ensuring they understand the rules of the sky and the responsibilities that come with being a pilot. It’s the kind of foundational training that will serve them well in any future drone career.

Building the Future, One Pilot at a Time

Webb City’s new program is a perfect example of a growing and incredibly positive trend. Schools across the country, like the Peninsula School District in Washington with its 300-drone light show team, are recognizing that drones are one of the most exciting and effective tools for teaching STEM skills.

These programs are the talent pipeline for the entire industry. They are creating the future agricultural drone specialists, the future search and rescue pilots, and the future cinematic FPV aces. They are showing students that a passion for technology can lead to a rewarding and exciting career.

DroneXL’s Take

It’s hard not to feel a huge sense of excitement when you read a story like this. This is where it all begins. For every seasoned professional pilot, there was a first flight, a moment of discovery where they realized the incredible potential of these flying machines. This program in Webb City is creating that moment for 35 young students, and it’s just fantastic.

“Real talk,” the drone industry is exploding, but there’s a serious shortage of skilled, certified pilots to do all the work that’s coming. Programs like this are the answer. They are a direct investment in the future workforce of our industry. Bruce VonderHarr is not just a teacher; he’s a mentor who is opening up a world of opportunity for his students.

I remember my first flight like it was yesterday. The feeling of seeing the world from a new perspective is a powerful and addictive thing. This program is giving that gift to these kids, but it’s also giving them something more: a tangible, valuable skill that can lead to a great career. It’s a huge win for the students, for Webb City, and for the entire drone community. My hat is off to them.

Photo credit: KNS16