HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere has been awarded $74,025 in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation to support a new hands-on educational initiative focused on drone technology.
The funding comes through KDOT’s Innovative Technology Program and will support the launch of Flight Forward: Drone Discovery, a program designed to introduce students to the rapidly expanding field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The Cosmosphere’s project is one of 12 selected statewide as part of nearly $3.9 million in total funding aimed at advancing emerging transportation technologies across Kansas. The selected projects emphasize improvements in safety, mobility and accessibility through innovations such as drones, artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure.
Through Flight Forward: Drone Discovery, students will gain hands-on experience exploring flight principles, real-world drone applications and potential career pathways in aviation and transportation industries. The program will be incorporated into the Cosmosphere’s existing educational offerings, including the addition of a new Drone Camp to expand STEAM learning opportunities for students across the region.
KDOT officials say the Innovative Technology Program is designed to support forward-thinking transportation solutions while strengthening communities and enhancing overall quality of life. Each project selected for funding includes a local match, demonstrating strong collaboration and investment at the community level.
As part of the initiative, the Cosmosphere is partnering with Richardson Bros Construction Company to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry applications. The partnership is expected to provide students with practical insights into how drone technology is used in sectors such as construction and infrastructure.