Drones, 3D-Printers & Podcasts: Pine Bluff students tackle real-world challenges with Tech-based education

David Hehemann – April 17, 2025 – Operating drones, recording podcasts, experimenting with augmented reality (AR) goggles, and developing products with 3D printers may not sound like typical activities for the middle school classroom. However, these are precisely the activities that middle and high school students at Friendship Aspire Academy’s Southeast Campus in Pine Bluff are engaging in as part of its EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) program. The initiative is in its first year at the school.

In one office, students are gathered around a 3D printer and developing prosthetic limbs. Opposite them, a 10th grader teaches a group of peers the principles of digital photography. Another group is perfecting an innovation titled the “mood meter,” an interactive program aimed at conflict prevention that allows students to express emotions in a healthy way.

The activities represent well the EAST Initiative. The statewide program empowers students through self-directed, technology-driven learning.

“At first glance upon entering an EAST classroom, teachers with a more traditional background may think students are just playing on computers and with gadgets – but this couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Kevin Young, Friendship’s director of communication and recruitment. “When I was an EAST student in high school, a teacher came into our classroom and assumed we were wasting time on the internet. Little did she know we were training a robot to complete commands. She just didn’t see the robot in the corner of the room.”

Young said the EAST program has been a great addition to Friendship Aspire Academy Southeast. The school is part of the Friendship Aspire Academy network, a system of public charter schools in Arkansas that aim to provide high-quality, tuition-free education with a focus on academic excellence and student success.

The academy’s schools were recently recognized by the Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas for their growth. Friendship Aspire Southeast campus took two of the organization’s “Beating the Odds” awards for growth. Beating the Odds award winners serve a population where at least 66% of students face economic challenges and where the students are demonstrating the highest levels of academic growth.

Finding motivation at the Arkansas EAST Conference

Friendship Aspire Southeast’s EAST program participants recently returned from the EAST Conference, which took place from March 18 to 20 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The event provides students from across the state the opportunity to showcase projects that make a difference in their communities, engage with peers and professionals, and participate in various competitions.

“At the conference I was able to witness our students get connected to something bigger than themselves,” Young said. “Seeing them build a booth from scratch, network with others about our school and program, and come up with project ideas for next year was an amazing experience. It made me sit back and realize how far we have come – not just in terms of the EAST Program, but also at Friendship Academy in general. It was a long road to get to where we are now, but I have had the chance to see firsthand how our students are benefiting from the hard work.”

Young said one of his students approached him during the conference and expressed her pride in what she and her peers had accomplished. She remarked that during their first year they had come up with projects and ideas on par with booths from other schools that have participated in the EAST program for years.

“She said, ‘Just imagine what we are going to come up with next year. We are going to win next year.”

Benefits of a hands-on education

Young said the strength of the EAST program lies in empowering students to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on learning, teamwork and problem solving.

“By programming a robot or drone, students are not only learning advanced mathematical and technological concepts, but they are also gaining skills and experience in project management and teamwork,” he said. “Our program doesn’t always look as structured as some would like. But we must remember that sometimes creativity looks a little chaotic. You just have to be open-minded about it.”

Young said the program shows youth their potential in making a difference in the community. At the same time, participants are developing professional skills that will prove invaluable during careers. For example, the school’s principal regularly contacts them via a messaging platform and shares new assignments and project ideas. The students are responsible for replying to the requests and initiating project planning.

“They also regularly write professional proposals to organizations they want to work with,” he said. “For example, they recently wrote a letter to Lowe’s about their plans for the development of a drone obstacle course, and the company, in turn, donated many of the products necessary for its construction.”

To work on the EAST project related to drones, seventh graders Nicole Chen and Lauren Davis took the initiative to become certified for piloting drones by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They were so excited by the project that they studied for the test in their free time, Young said.

“I feel a sense of responsibility in this program,” Chen said. “Earning my FAA drone certification was a challenging but rewarding process. The test is tough – you need to get nearly all answers right to pass. But it means a lot to be an official drone pilot.”

Davis said she enjoyed using a trial-and-error approach to build the obstacle course for drones. A’Keia Dupree, a 10th grader who is also working on the project, said she was pleasantly surprised to be working with this type of technology in school.

Robin Mayweather, a seventh grader who has been working with drones and AR goggles, said it is fascinating to explore technology through a hands-on approach.

“I always knew technology was useful, but now I see how it can help communities and solve real-world problems,” Mayweather said.

Trevion Booker, an eighth grader, has been busy working on an automated water system. He has enjoyed the process of using technology to monitor and control water resources efficiently to promote sustainability.

“I now see technology as a tool for creativity and innovation – not just a way to achieve goals,” he said.

Inspiring student growth: the heart of the EAST program

Dai’sha Curlin, coordinator of the EAST program at Friendship Aspire Academy Southeast, said student growth is not just a goal of the program – it is the heart of what the program is working to accomplish.

“Even in our very first year, I can say without hesitation that I am incredibly proud of our scholars,” Curlin said. “Watching their growth – whether it’s the confidence they build while presenting for the first time or the excitement of bringing their first robot to life – has been nothing short of inspiring.

Curlin said EAST provides opportunities that challenge students to step outside their comfort zones, think critically and take ownership of their learning.

“I’ve seen students who were once hesitant to speak up now leading projects with passion,” Curlin said. “I’ve watched them develop skills, not just in technology and problem-solving, but in teamwork, leadership and resilience.”

Each month, the EAST students visit the Boys and Girls Club to mentor younger students, teaching them leadership skills and introducing them to technology and equipment they might not otherwise have access to.

“These experiences not only empower the students we work with, but also help my scholars grow as leaders and role models,” Curlin said. “It’s about more than just technology – it’s about building confidence, fostering curiosity and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, benefiting both our students and the broader Pine Bluff community.”

Currently the students have been working on planning an event called “Heart of the Spectrum: Autism Awareness and Resource Fair.”

“Our students have been actively involved in preparing for their big event,” Curlin said. “They’ve taken the lead on the tech side, ensuring that QR codes and digital forms are ready to streamline the event.”

DaMya Hall, an eighth-grade student, said she is excited to help explain autism in a meaningful way to the broader community.

“Beyond the prep work, our students will be working hands-on during the event, capturing photos and videos while also assisting wherever needed,” Curlin said. “This collaboration not only provides valuable real-world experience for our scholars but also reinforces the power of technology in supporting and uplifting our community. It’s been incredible to watch them step up, take initiative and use their skills to make a meaningful impact.”

Curlin said seeing her students’ enthusiastic collaboration on the autism awareness project reminds her of one important thing she has noticed over the course of the EAST program’s first year at Friendship Aspire Academy Southeast.