City approves $10000 grant to boost youth drone careers

In a recent government meeting, officials approved a sub-grant agreement with the Tulsa Community Foundation for $10,000 aimed at expanding a youth talent pipeline in the drone industry. This initiative, part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, seeks to provide high school students with exposure to careers in the drone sector, building on successful summer programs that engaged local youth in hands-on drone activities.

The program will extend its reach to four area high schools: McLean, East Central, Rogers, and Webster. The funding will cover half of the costs for the academic year, with hopes of sustaining the program beyond the initial grant period.

Additionally, the meeting included an update on the broader Build Back Better initiative, which has seen significant funding and planning efforts. The city was awarded $135,000 in Phase 1 for planning activities related to the Ferris Industrial Park in East Tulsa, focusing on environmental assessments and site planning for over 1,100 acres of industrial land.

In Phase 2, the city, in collaboration with Tulsa Innovation Labs, proposed six projects, securing $39 million in funding for four of them. Notably, the city also leveraged $50 million in ARPA funding for sanitary sewer improvements to support the industrial park and the Port of Catoosa, marking a strategic shift in funding priorities.

Officials emphasized the importance of these initiatives in fostering economic development in traditionally underserved communities, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance workforce training and government procurement resources. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue advancing these programs and ensuring their long-term viability.