Students at Spring Hill Elementary in Fayetteville are the first in the southeast to be chosen for a Federal Aviation Administration program to teach young people about aerospace careers and promote literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The FAA’s Adopt-a-School Program involves six lessons geared toward fourth grade students, which will be delivered in hour-long sessions this fall to cover such topics as drone operations and space tourism. Spring Hill is among only nine schools nationwide selected for the initial program, based on such factors as its diverse population, proximity to FAA facilities and the location of potential program partners.

FAA spokesperson Michelle Christensen of the Aviation Workforce and Education Division said the agency “is excited to join with Spring Hill Elementary School in an effort that is not only beneficial for students and teachers, but the community as well.”