The global group of teachers will complete an intensive educator curriculum focused on space science and exploration in addition to participating in real-life astronaut training. Each Honeywell Educator was awarded the prestigious scholarship following a rigorous application and selection process involving nearly 1,000 competing teachers.
"The Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program is designed to help teachers inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math," said Tom Buckmaster, president, Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "Honeywell is committed to providing students and teachers with programs, experiences and resources that bring science to life in memorable, life-changing ways."
During the program, each Honeywell Educator will participate in a variety of activities including 40 hours of classroom, laboratory and field training. They will also have the unique opportunity to participate in astronaut training exercises including a high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and a state-of-the-art flight dynamics programs.
"We are very grateful for the generous support we receive from Honeywell, a leading partner of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center," said Larry Capps, chief executive officer of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. "Thanks to Honeywell, teachers from around the world will come together to learn activities that they can take back and implement in their classrooms."
Teachers applying for the Honeywell scholarships were required to submit a 500-word essay describing the tools and techniques they use to motivate students to study science-related fields and pursue technology-related careers. Financial contributions from more than 1,700 Honeywell employees help support the scholarships, which include tuition for the five-day program, roundtrip airfare, meals, accommodations and program materials.
Nearly 250 teachers have graduated from the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program since its inception in 2004. Honeywell's science and math education programs have already reached nearly 100,000 students and teachers in 26 countries and 41 U.S. states.
The Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company's community outreach initiative which focuses on three issues of vital importance: Family Safety and Security; Housing and Shelter; and Science and Math Education. Together with leading public and non- profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. Honeywell also partners with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on an abduction prevention program, Got 2B Safe!; and NASA on FMA Live! Where Science Rocks; and Rebuilding Together on home revitalization projects for low-income homeowners.
