Hosting Organization: Paterson Public Schools/ P-Tech High School
County: Passaic
During New Jersey STEM Month, innovation took flight in Paterson as Paterson P-TECH High School hosted the Silk City Drone Competition at Joseph A. Taub Middle School. The event brought together student teams from across the district for a hands-on STEM experience centered on drone technology, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Nine teams from Paterson P-TECH High School, Joseph A. Taub Middle School, and JFK High School competed in a series of challenges, including teamwork missions, piloting exercises, and autonomous flight operations. These activities required precision, coordination, and coding, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
Beyond the competition, students were interviewed by representatives from the REC Foundation, where they shared their strategies, reflected on challenges, and discussed how teamwork contributed to their success. These conversations helped build confidence and strengthened communication skills alongside technical learning.
The event highlighted the power of hands-on learning, with students actively testing, adjusting, and problem-solving in real time. It created an engaging environment where learning felt meaningful and where students could envision future pathways in STEM careers.
With strong support from the REC Foundation, the Silk City Drone Competition not only delivered an impactful experience but also sparked momentum for the future. Paterson P-TECH High School is already planning to expand the initiative, with additional drone competitions expected next year to engage even more students across the district and beyond.