confidence to try the program.“ Students often need that extra nudge. If a teacher tells you,‘ I think this is a really good fit for you,’ that carries so much weight and can make the difference in students pursuing their interests,” explains Dr. Peretin.
The program has yielded far-reaching results, with drone pilot courses being created at high schools across the region, including at Penn Hills and Hempfield Area school districts.“ Our program has sparked an interest. I am seeing more programs pop up,” notes Chris Tator, FLAG Coach and Drone Teacher at Baldwin High School.
Graduates of FLAG have gone on to pursue commercial pilots’ licenses, careers in the Air Force, aeronautical engineering, and more. Tator recalls one student whose participation was transformative. He reflects,“ When Nadia started the program, she was very quiet and tended to remain inside her comfort zone. Now she does so much more. I can attribute that to this cohort of girls who I’ ve seen form a tight bond. She’ s a totally different person now. She feels that she’ s with her people. She has grown through this program. I don’ t think she’ d have excelled as quickly without this program.” Nadia Noori shares,“ FLAG has been a great way to meet other girls my age who share an interest in drones. I’ ve also met other girls from my school, and being part of this group motivates me to work toward my Part 107 certification and prepare for a future career as a pilot.”
Launching Careers
Nadia Noori, considering a military career
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Ashwinameera Selvakumar, The Ohio State University Computer Science and Engineering
Mia Schwartzmiller, pursuing her pilot’ s license and a career in aviation
aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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Later this year, FLAG is partnering with the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation, who are generously underwriting the cost of the program, which will expand to include a week-long summer camp experience in 2026. Dr. Peretin is excited to see the impact of FLAG continue to resonate. She shares,“ It’ s been incredible to watch the girls grow more confident through this program and to see how that confidence carries into other parts of their lives. This experience goes beyond learning about drones; it’ s about building belief in themselves and encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams.”
Gouri Prasanth, enrolled at Penn State University Honors College in Aeronautical Engineering
Molly Fircak, enrolled at Point Park University Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
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