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Flock Drone Presentation 

Kenansville, NC  – Wallace - Rose Hill High School has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Education Workforce Innovation Commission, which was generously matched by House of Raeford’s FLOCK, totaling $60,000 in funding. This grant aligns with Duplin County Schools' STEAMA initiative—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Agriculture—by enhancing career-focused learning and integrating cutting-edge agricultural technology into the classroom.

Through this funding, the school will introduce an agricultural drone program, equipping students with essential workforce skills while utilizing the latest advancements in drone technology to transform modern farming. Students enrolled in horticulture courses will gain hands-on experience in precision agriculture, learning aerial observation techniques and the application of chemicals in farming practices. By integrating drone technology, the program aims to spark student interest in advanced agricultural practices and career pathways in agri-tech.

This initiative is strengthened through key partnerships with House of Raeford’s FLOCK, the University of Mount Olive’s Precision Agriculture Program, and James Sprunt Community College’s agricultural program. These collaborations will provide students with real-world applications of drone technology, bridging classroom learning with industry practices.

Additionally, agricultural teacher Danielle Trimbur will further enhance the program by participating in An Experiential and Data-driven Approach to Agricultural Education (ADVANCE) at Virginia Tech this summer. This professional development opportunity will enable her to obtain drone licensure and bring back advanced training methods to better prepare students for careers in precision agriculture.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future by providing hands-on experiences with emerging technologies,” said Erica Jones, Director of CTE/9-13 Curriculum. “By integrating agricultural drones into our STEAMA curriculum, we are expanding opportunities for students to explore high-demand careers in precision agriculture and beyond.”

Duplin County Schools is committed to providing students with innovative learning experiences that connect curriculum with career pathways. This grant is a significant step in preparing students for the future of agriculture and technology.