Through a formal partnership with Erie 1 BOCES, Rocket Drones is now a contracted education technology provider available to schools across New York State. This agreement simplifies the path for districts to implement cutting-edge New York drone education programs. By leveraging the power of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) network, we provide turnkey access to drone technology, comprehensive curriculum, and professional development. Best of all, this partnership offers streamlined procurement and potential state aid eligibility, making it easier than ever to prepare your students for the future of aviation.
About Erie 1 BOCES
Erie 1 BOCES is a regional education service agency that has supported school districts for over 60 years. Serving 19 component school districts in Erie County and the greater Buffalo area, it is a vital part of the statewide BOCES network. Its mission is to help districts pool resources to provide specialized programs that might be too costly or complex for a single district to manage alone.
Beyond its local impact, Erie 1 BOCES operates four Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers—Harkness, Kenton, Potter, and Edge Academy—offering more than 25 career training programs. Furthermore, through the Western New York Regional Information Center (WNYRIC), it extends critical technology services to over 100 school districts across five BOCES regions. This extensive reach makes Erie 1 BOCES a cornerstone of educational innovation in New York.
What’s Available Through This Partnership
This partnership is designed to be a complete solution for schools. Through the Master License and Service Agreement, districts can access the full suite of Rocket Drones products:
- School Starter Kit: A robust equipment package featuring durable training drones, flight simulators, and all the hardware needed to transform a classroom into a flight lab.
- Drone 101 Curriculum: Tailored for middle schools, this CTE drone curriculum NY introduces students to foundational flight skills, safety protocols, and basic block coding.
- Drone 102 Curriculum: A high school-level course that advances into manual flight, cinematography, and rigorous preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot exam.
- Teacher Training & Support: Implementation is supported by BOCES instructional coaches and staff who ensure educators are confident and ready to teach from day one.
- Data Privacy Compliance: We understand the importance of student safety. Rocket Drones is fully compliant with New York Education Law 2-d, ensuring all student data is protected according to state standards.
Why BOCES Contracts Matter for Schools
Navigating educational procurement can be complex, but this partnership simplifies the process significantly. Because Rocket Drones is an NYSITCC approved vendor, pricing and terms have already been pre-negotiated. This eliminates the need for time-consuming RFP processes, allowing administrators to focus on what matters most—student learning.
One of the most significant advantages for New York districts is the financial benefit. When purchasing a drone education contract through a BOCES CoSer (Cooperative Service), districts are often eligible for BOCES state aid reimbursement. This can substantially reduce the net cost of the program, making high-quality STEM education accessible to more students. With legal compliance built-in and instructional support included, adopting a BOCES drone program is as simple as contacting your local BOCES planning office.
Career Pathways Alignment
Our programs fit seamlessly into existing CTE frameworks, including Aviation, STEM, and Information Technology. The goal is to move students beyond simple engagement to tangible career readiness. By starting in middle school and progressing through high school, students build a portfolio of logged flight hours and completed projects.
Crucially, our high school curriculum prepares students for the Part 107 certification—the FAA’s commercial drone license. This means students can graduate with a federal credential that validates their skills to employers. Whether they enter the workforce immediately or pursue further education in aviation or engineering, they leave school with a distinct competitive advantage.
Access Career-Ready Skills Today
Rocket Drones and Erie 1 BOCES are committed to connecting students with the skills of tomorrow. Through this formal agreement, any school district in New York can access our world-class drone education platform with simplified purchasing and the support of the BOCES network. We invite you to explore our [School Programs] to see how we can elevate your curriculum, check out our [Part 107 Course] for certification details, or learn about our [Drone Racing Programs] to bring excitement to your campus. If you need assistance with budget planning, our team can also help you [Find Funding] options.
Contact your local BOCES today to bring the future of flight to your district.