Cosmosphere Receives State Funding for Drone Education

The Hutchinson science center will use $74,000 in KDOT grants to launch new drone summer camp and outreach programs.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:05pm

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The Cosmosphere science center in Hutchinson, Kansas has received over $74,000 in funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation's Innovative Technology Program. The money will be used to establish a new summer camp called 'Flight Forward: Drone Discovery' as well as a statewide outreach program focused on drone technology and aviation education.

Why it matters

Kansas is prioritizing the development of drone and advanced air mobility technologies as part of its efforts to remain competitive in the aviation industry. This funding will allow the Cosmosphere to introduce these emerging technologies to students across the state at an early age, helping to build the future workforce for these growing fields.

The details

The Cosmosphere will partner with Kansas State University Salina to integrate drone operations and safety concepts into the new Drone Discovery summer camp. The funding will also be used to purchase educational drone equipment for hands-on flight instruction, data collection, and mission simulations. Additionally, the Cosmosphere will conduct statewide outreach, showcasing drone demonstrations at events like the Kansas Association of School Boards Conference and the Kansas Association of Education Service Agencies.

  • The Cosmosphere Drone Camp will take place from July 26-29, 2026.
  • The camp is designed for students entering 9th grade or older and will include an end-of-camp drone race that families can attend.

The players

Cosmosphere

A science center and space museum located in Hutchinson, Kansas that will use the state funding to establish new drone education programs.

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)

The state agency that awarded over $74,000 in Innovative Technology Program funding to the Cosmosphere for drone education initiatives.

Gov. Laura Kelly

The Governor of Kansas who stated that the KDOT funding will make "smart, targeted investments to improve quality of life for Kansans across the state" through new transportation technologies.

Philip Harris

A representative from KDOT who said the Cosmosphere's programs will allow young Kansans to learn about drone technologies and connect to the growing aviation and advanced air mobility workforce in the state.

Kansas State University Salina

The university that will partner with the Cosmosphere to integrate drone operations and safety concepts into the new summer camp.

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What they’re saying

“We are making smart, targeted investments to improve quality of life for Kansans across the state. This crucial funding will expand the ways Kansans use and benefit from modern, essential transportation technology.”

— Gov. Laura Kelly

“The initiative will create and implement a new summer camp and statewide outreach program centered around drone technology, designed to inspire students, build technical competencies and connect education to the growing aviation and (advanced air mobility) workforce in Kansas.”

— Philip Harris, KDOT Representative

What’s next

The Cosmosphere Drone Camp has already been announced and will take place from July 26-29, 2026. The camp is open to students entering 9th grade or older, with scholarships available.

The takeaway

This state funding will allow the Cosmosphere to introduce drone and advanced air mobility technologies to students across Kansas, helping to build the future workforce for these growing industries and keep the state competitive in the aviation sector.