How the Social Opportunity Works Fund helped launch a drone and flight simulation program at Powerful Young Adults Inc.
Access to high quality STEM education can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. For many youth and young adults in underserved neighborhoods, that type of opportunity is still out of reach.
With support from Pinellas Community Foundation’s Social Opportunity Works (SOW) Fund, Powerful Young Adults Inc is closing that gap through an immersive new Drone and Flight Simulation Program that blends aviation, drone technology and workforce training.
Meeting an opportunity gap in STEM careers
Powerful Young Adults Inc serves youth and young adults ages 16 to 30 from underserved communities. The organization focuses on aviation, drone technology, computer coding and job readiness, always with a clear goal: help students earn industry recognized credentials and move directly into careers.
In the communities they serve, students often have little or no exposure to fields like aviation or drone technology. Career training programs are limited. Many young adults are eager to work, yet lack access to the skills and networks that open doors.
The SOW Fund grant helped Powerful Young Adults Inc respond directly to this local need by piloting their first Drone and Flight Simulation Program. Twenty students enrolled, and none had prior experience in this field.
What the SOW grant made possible
The SOW grant moved the program from idea to reality. Funding made it possible to:
- Purchase drones and flight simulation equipment
- Design and deliver an FAA aligned curriculum
- Create a hands on learning environment that builds leadership, confidence and career readiness
This investment did more than purchase equipment. It created a structured pathway into a growing industry, grounded in real world skills that employers are seeking right now.
Early outcomes for students
The first cohort is already showing strong results.
- 17 of 20 students are now enrolled in the Skymaster Drone and Flight Course
- 100 percent of participants report gaining new technical skills in drone aviation and STEM
- All students will be eligible to sit for the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification Exam
Because of the program’s success, Powerful Young Adults Inc is preparing to launch a second 16 week cohort of 20 students in spring 2026. The goal is to build a year round aviation and technology track that keeps opportunity open for more youth and young adults across the county.
Sam’s story: a pathway to a better future
Behind every data point is a person whose choices and chances have widened.
One student, Sam M, joined the program as a single mother looking for a way to improve her career options. She entered with no experience in drone technology. Within two weeks, she was confidently flying drones and fully engaged in the course.
Sam shared:
“By completing Drone and Flight Simulation Training, I will be able to obtain my pilot license. This will open so many opportunities for me. As a content creator, I can now legally and safely offer aerial photography and videography services. As a single parent, this program has opened the door to a better future.”
Her experience reflects the larger intent of the SOW Fund: to connect community investment with practical, measurable opportunities for people who have historically been left out.
What comes next
Encouraged by the pilot cohort, Powerful Young Adults Inc is now expanding into a year round aviation and technology track. To sustain and grow this work, the organization is seeking support for:
- FAA Part 107 Certification testing: 177 dollars per student
- Drone flight training: 350 dollars per student for a 16 week cohort
- A June 7, 2026 job fair: including employer participants and sponsorships
- Volunteers, mentors, guest speakers, equipment donors and community partners also play a key role in ensuring students can see, and step into, long term careers.
How to get involved
The SOW Fund helps seed and strengthen programs that expand opportunity for youth and young adults across Pinellas County. Support from donors allows organizations like Powerful Young Adults Inc to test new ideas, evaluate results and grow what works.
To learn more about the Social Opportunity Works Fund or how you can support programs like this, contact Pinellas Community Foundation at Giving@PinellasCF.org.
Donate to the Social Opportunity Works Fund: https://pcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5354
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