Published on February 10, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Thirty Franklin County high school students will learn to fly drones, manage conflict, and build professional skills through a new program the Board of Commissioners approved on February 10.
The Board authorized an $84,225 grant agreement with CARES Learning Partnership, a nonprofit that provides education, workforce training, and restorative services to young people. The program targets students ages 15 to 18 from Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville, and Worthington school districts, as well as charter, faith-based, and specialty schools across the county.
The program runs in three consecutive three-week sessions, each serving up to 10 students. Participants gain hands-on experience with drone technology alongside a restorative practices component that teaches conflict management, relationship repair, and goal setting.
EECD Director Andrena Austin told the Commissioners the program is designed to connect youth to real careers in public safety, construction, utilities, and other fields where drone skills are increasingly in demand. It is not a traditional STEM program, she said, but a hands-on workforce readiness initiative aligned with the county's Rise Together poverty reduction blueprint.
Commissioner Boyce raised the connection to Andrel, a defense technology company that recently launched a headquarters in Pickaway County. Andrel's products are built around drone technology, and Boyce encouraged the program's organizers to reach out and explore whether students could visit the facility and see the technology up close. He described the skill set as already in high demand and growing.
Deputy County Administrator Joy Bivens also asked whether justice-involved youth and students dealing with truancy could be given a pathway into the program. The response from those present was affirmative.
The program aligns with the county's workforce development, community engagement, and economic mobility priorities.