501(c)(3) Nonprofit — Hampton Roads, Virginia
Expanding access to flight, code, and opportunity.
The Okii Dream Initiative brings drone, aviation, coding, and STEM experiences to youth, families, adults, seniors, schools, and underserved communities across Hampton Roads — with the aircraft, instructors, and curriculum included.
Our mission
The Okii Dream Initiative empowers underserved communities of all ages through aviation technology, creative education, and hands-on STEAM experiences.
Read our storyWhy it matters
Drones, coding, and aviation technology are reshaping local industries — from logistics and public safety to media and infrastructure. Access to those experiences is still uneven. Many students and adults in our communities have never held a controller, met a pilot, or been shown that these careers are open to them. We bring the aircraft, the instructors, and the curriculum directly into the schools, community centers, and libraries families already trust.
Impact snapshot
What we measure
We report participants served, first-time drone flyers, TRUST certificates earned, schools and organizations served, and instructional hours delivered. Figures for the current period are being verified and will be published here — we do not display estimates.
- Participants served
- First-time drone flyers
- TRUST certificates earned
- Schools & organizations served
- Instructional hours delivered
- Participant satisfaction
Programs
Six ways we put people in the air
Every Child Flies
Our access initiative: no child should miss their first flight because of cost, transportation, or opportunity. We bring aircraft and instructors to the community and put a controller in every child's hands.
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Drone & STEM Education
Our core instructional track. Students learn flight fundamentals, airspace awareness, and safety discipline, then build real skill through mission-based challenges at schools and community sites.
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CoDrone & Coding Activities
Students program CoDrone EDU aircraft with block-based and Python code, connecting what they write on a laptop to an aircraft that actually moves across the room.
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Youth Workforce & Career Exposure
Sessions that connect flight skills to the local job market — public safety, logistics, infrastructure inspection, surveying, and aerial media — so students can see the careers behind the technology.
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Community Drone Experiences
Drop-in flight demos and family-friendly STEAM activations that turn a library program room, a community event, or a gym into an airfield for an afternoon.
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Active Adults: Intro to Drones
A free hands-on drone experience for adults ages 55 and older, offered in partnership with the Suffolk Workforce Development Center. No previous drone or technology experience is required.
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Hampton Roads · STEAM in the air
Teaching the next generation to fly, build, and lead.
Credibility
Who we work with
STEM Achievers Program at Camp Community CollegeCommunity partner- Girl Scouts of the Colonial CoastCommunity partner
- Portsmouth Public SchoolsCommunity partner
- Communities In Schools of Hampton RoadsCommunity partner
- ChainBreakers, Inc.Community partner
- Suffolk Sheriff's OfficeCommunity partner
- Purpose Driven LearnersCommunity partner
- Suffolk Workforce Development CenterCommunity partner
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The Okii Dream Initiative, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, EIN 41-4201163. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Stories, in their own words
We publish participant, parent, teacher, and partner stories only with permission. Approved stories appear on our Impact page as they are collected.
See program photos and videoBring a program. Sponsor a seat. Volunteer.
Whether you host students, fund access, or give time on the flight line, there is a place for you in this work.
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