HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere has been awarded $74,025 in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) through its Innovative Technology Program to support the launch of a new educational initiative, Flight Forward: Drone Discovery.
The Cosmosphere’s project is one of 12 selected statewide as part of nearly $3.9 million in funding dedicated to advancing innovative transportation technologies across Kansas. These projects focus on improving safety, mobility, and access through emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure.
Flight Forward: Drone Discovery will introduce students to the rapidly growing field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), offering hands-on experiences that explore flight principles, real-world applications, and career pathways in aviation and transportation. The program will be integrated into the Cosmosphere’s camp offerings with a new Drone Camp, expanding access to cutting-edge STEAM education for learners across the region.
The KDOT Innovative Technology Program supports projects that implement new transportation solutions while strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life across Kansas. Each selected project includes a local funding match, demonstrating strong community and partner commitment.
The Cosmosphere is partnering with Richardson Bros Construction Company on this initiative, strengthening the connection between education and real-world industry applications while supporting workforce development in emerging technology sectors.
Through Flight Forward: Drone Discovery, the Cosmosphere continues its mission to inspire innovation and cultivate curiosity by providing immersive STEM learning experiences that prepare the next generation of explorers, engineers, and problem-solvers.
For more information on the new Cosmosphere Drone Camp, visit cosmo.org/camps
