Daytona Beach, FL — DME Academy, known for elite athletics and academic excellence, is proud to announce a new partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As a global leader in aviation and STEM education—and recently ranked No. 1 in innovation—Embry-Riddle brings unmatched opportunity to DME through a Gaetz Grant-funded initiative. This partnership expands access to STEM programs across Florida.

Real-World Learning Through Aviation & Robotics

Starting in the 2025–26 school year, DME middle school students will take part in Embry-Riddle’s BUILD program. This aviation pathway introduces students to aerodynamics, aerospace, and the Magnus Effect through hands-on learning. For example, students will build and program machines using robotics kits, Python, JavaScript, and block coding.

In high school, students will go deeper. They’ll explore scientific concepts like Newton’s Laws and apply them to real-world situations—bridging classroom learning with active exploration.

Expanding Career Awareness Beyond Athletics

“Students will have the opportunity to go into the batting cages and see what they’ve learned in motion,” said Stacy Atkinson, Principal at DME Academy. “More importantly, the program introduces students to careers in aerospace, from engineering and programming to marketing and operations.”

“Try as many things as you can,” said Amanda Silva, Central Florida Regional Director at Embry-Riddle. “The worst thing that happens is you don’t like it. That’s how you find what you actually want to do.”

Access to Campus, Credentials, and College Credit

DME students will visit Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus, touring departments like A&P and Mechanical Engineering. Teachers will receive specialized training and certifications, while guest lectures from Embry-Riddle faculty and a retired Air Force veteran will enrich the program.

As students progress, they can earn FAA certifications, including the small unmanned aircraft certification, and may qualify for dual-credit courses and potential college scholarships.

Preparing Students for the Future

This partnership allows DME to provide a competitive edge for students,  whether they pursue athletics, STEM careers, or both. With hands-on experience, real credentials, and new exposure to future opportunities, DME Academy continues to lead in student development on and off the field.

Explore how DME Academy is shaping the future of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom.