More than 200 teachers from around the world, including four from the Philippines, are gearing up to take the trip of a lifetime to Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy(HESA), the game-changing experience that inspires teachers to encourage students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers.
Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), Honeywell (NYSE:HON) developed the award-winning scholarship program to help middle school math and science teachers become more effective educators in STEM. Over the past 11 years, Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 2,381 teachers from 55 countries, including 16 from Indonesia.
“Inspiring students begins with inspiring our teachers and this program is all about re-igniting passion in our teachers,” said Michael A. Bennett, President, Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative. “This experience helps teachers learn new techniques for cultivating curiosity for math and science in the next generation of engineers, programmers, mathematicians and astronauts.”
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in the last 10 years, the demand for STEM-related jobs grew three times faster than jobs in other fields. However, according to the U.S. Education Department, only 16 percent of high school seniors are considered proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career. Only half of those students who pursue STEM courses in college actually go on to careers in STEM fields.
“It was very exciting to see a big rise in the number of finalists from the region this year, which indicates an increasing interest from the country and extended impact of this great program,” said Jim Bujold, president of Honeywell Southeast Asia for Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. “I would love to see the momentum continues and more teachers and students benefit from it.”
Since 2004, educators have shared their experiences and knowledge to more than 2 million students, inspiring many to pursue STEM education and careers. From winning grants from local and federal governments, to entering students in international and NASA educational projects, to creating STEM-focused after school programs, the impact of HESA is continuing beyond the classroom.
This year, 205 teachers from 24 countries will attend one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 10-23 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Ala. Teachers will be given rigorous training focused on science and space exploration including astronaut-style exercises like high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space mission, land and water survival training, and interactive flight dynamics programs.
To attend Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy, candidates must complete a thorough application process. Qualified teachers are awarded scholarships, round-trip airfare, tuition, meals and accommodations sponsored by Honeywell and its employees.
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About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, which focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com/hometown-solutions/
About Honeywell
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. Today, Honeywell is working closely with local distributors and dealers to provide products and services in the Philippines. Honeywell CEASA (Subic Bay) Company, Inc. employs about 20 employees locally. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visithttp://www.honeywellnow.com/.
