Connecticut REC Aerial Drones Summer Institute 2026

CTEEA Aerial Drones Summer Summit July 6–10, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Beman Middle School, Middletown, CT Limited to 30 Participants

The CTEEA Aerial Drones Summer Summit is a focused, week-long professional development experience for Connecticut educators, coaches, mentors, and event partners working with — or looking to launch — REC Foundation Aerial Drones programs at the middle and high school level.

Participants will move between structured classroom sessions and hands-on lab time, covering both in-class program integration and competitive after-school team development. Technical training will also be provided on running an event at your own school, and coaches will have the opportunity to explore the full range of resources CTEEA can offer — including hands-on access to the Aerial Drones equipment trailer.

What's Covered:

• Drone piloting fundamentals, autonomous coding, and mission design
• Integrating Aerial Drones into school curricula
• Launching and sustaining competitive after-school teams
• Engineering notebook best practices
• Coaching, mentoring, and team development strategies
• Program fundraising, district communication, and sustainability
• Event hosting training and CTEEA equipment resources

Note: This summit runs alongside separate VEX IQ and VEX V5 summits at the same location. Some sessions on program administration and sustainability will be shared across all three groups.

Format & Perks:

• Hands-on labs and classroom sessions throughout the week
• Daily breakfast and lunch provided
• Stipends available for qualifying active Coaches and Mentors
• Networking with educators and volunteers from across Connecticut

All experience levels welcome. No prior drone experience required.

Questions? Contact Bill McDonough wmcdonough@monroesp.org | (203) 913-7465