Middleton High Students Build Drones, Meet Mentors

Middleton High School students built and tested drones while meeting with mentors from the Tampa Police Department, 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Working in teams at the Skills Center, students took on roles as builders, judges, and mentors. They then spoke with adults about entrepreneurship and career options over a shared meal.

Ricardo Foster, a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, participated in the event. Foster connects community partners with youth opportunities.

The activity was part of the Edgecomb Mentoring Circle, a School-to-Work program that pairs East Tampa students with mentors and workplace exposure.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay seeks additional partners. Organizations can engage employees as mentors and help build the local talent pipeline. Interested businesses should contact Chad Mitchell at [email protected].