Thirty Middle School drone teams competed.

The nonprofit organization Drones4Kids held a drone competition at Troy High School, featuring participation from sixteen high school teams across California, including five from Troy High School. Additionally, thirty middle school teams from Compton, Los Angeles, and Yorba Linda competed in the event.

Drones4Kids CEO Brandon Kim (left), volunteers Krish Gupta, and Ryan Lim

Founded by Brandon Kim at Troy High School after obtaining his FAA Drone license in 2021, Drones4Kids aims to educate youth about drone technology. In 2023, the organization achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Throughout 2024, Drones4Kids engaged in over sixty events, reaching more than 60,000 attendees.

Brandon Kim, along with his brother Brian and mother JoAnne, currently leads Drones4Kids. He plans to transition responsibilities to Brian while he studies Aerospace Engineering in college. Brandon noted that many participants enjoy the competitive aspect of the event, stating, “The drone competition allows them to compete and learn how to accomplish a mission.” He highlighted that 99% of high school participants continue their education or career training, emphasizing the growing opportunities within the drone industry.

The five teams from Troy High School received support from the Navy and Air Force ROTC programs, which provided funding and guidance. ROTC also sponsors teams involved in underwater robotics and Orienteering.

Air Force Recruiter Joshua Kim indicated that military training is available in drone maintenance and piloting, adding that some former competitors have advanced to the Air Force Academy.

Z’Khiyah Robesoa of King Elementary School in Compton guides her drone through a vertical figure 8

The competition tested participants on piloting skills, teamwork, and autonomous programming through a series of challenges. Competitors navigated an obstacle course that included tasks such as flying through narrow openings and performing figure-eights. In the Teamwork Skills course, pairs of drones worked together to push objects through designated areas using rotor wash.

Ariana Thompson, a volunteer associated with LA’s Engineer Factory, assisted in scorekeeping at the competition. “Drones4Kids sponsoring this event provided a great opportunity for many young participants,” she remarked. The Engineer Factory aims to increase the diversity of engineers by supporting underrepresented groups.

Drones4Kids collaborated with the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation, which oversees robotics competitions nationwide. Brandon encouraged interested parties to organize teams for REC competitions, noting that further information can be found on the REC website.

Brandon said anyone can organize a team in the middle or high school age groups for the REC competitions. Contact Drones4Kids via their website and they will direct you. Complete team and award info for this event is available on the REC website. Go to the main menu, click competitions, click Aerial Drone Competitions, and select the high school and middle school links for the January 18th Drones4Kids competition. 

More information about Drones4Kids can be found at Drones4kids.org. 

HS Teamwork Mission Champion Award went to Troy NJROTC Team1 and NJROTC Team2

Troy NJROTC Team2 won HS All-Around Champion

MLK Jr. High Team 1 won HS Communications Mission Champion

Troy NJROTC Team 2 won the HS Skills Mission Champion award and the Coding / Autonomous Award

Troy NJROTC Team2 won the Airmanship Award

Troy NJROTC Team3 won HS Judges Award

Two teams shared MS Teamwork Mission Award: LA Pilots and Whaley Middle School B

“Great Park Remote Pilots” team from Irvine won All-Around Champion

Team “LA Pilots” of Clinton WJ Elem in Compton won the Teamwork Mission Award

The “Team Hawks” of Kennedy Elementary in Compton took home the Judges Award

Engineer Factory “God’s Children” team member Malcolm Shakur accepts the Airmanship Award

The Encinitas Boom Squad took home the Middle School Coding Award

Volunteer Alina Zhang presents the Skills Mission Champion award to the MLK Cosmic invaders

Z’Khiyah Robesoa of King Elementary School in Compton guides her drone through a vertical figure 8