ORLANDO, Fla. – Students who are part of a summer enrichment program are getting hands-on experience with emerging technologies while also learning lessons about the past.
In the Washington Shores Neighborhood, Frontline Innovation Studios is helping teens learn the ins and outs of drones and how to pilot them.
The lesson is taught by Slyvester Terry, who is the president of the Central Florida chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
“I’m giving back what I was given, and I actually enjoy it,” Terry said. “We talk about FAA rules and regulations. So it’s not just drone as a toy, it’s drone as a tool.”
Terry said his organization often mentors youth and provides aerospace education through STEM partnerships.
Before getting their hands on the controllers, the students learned about the Tuskegee Airmen legacy.
“They demonstrated persistence, integrity, a drive to excel,” Terry said. “They exceeded every expectation, so they’re a great example for these kids today.”
The Tuskegee Airmen fought through prejudice to become one of the most highly-respected fighter groups in World War II.
Gemina Canga is the executive manager for Frontline Outreach and said the lesson from Terry adds to Frontline’s classes on coding, robotics and virtual reality.
“We are in the business of changing lives,” Canga said. “We’re changing perspectives, we’re changing outlooks, we’re changing generational structures.”
Through the teachings of the greatest generation, Frontline’s students took lessons from the past to pave their way toward the future.
“Many (Tuskegee Airmen) knew that they themselves may not see it and achieve it, but generations to follow will benefit from their persistence and perseverance at the time,” Terry said.
More information about Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. can be found at https://cflc-tai.org/.
For further details about the curriculum of Frontline Innovation Studios, click here.
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