One Vietnamese teacher to join 2015 Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy

Created in partnership with the US Space & Rocket Centre (USSRC), Honeywell, a global technology and manufacturing leader, has developed the award-winning scholarship programme 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 three from Vietnam. This year, Nguyen Thanh Thuyet from the southern province of Soc Trang has been selected to represent Vietnam to join the programme.

“Inspiring students begins with inspiring our teachers and this programme 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,” Bennett added.

According to the US 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 US Education Department, only 16 per cent 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’s the third year I’ve seen Vietnamese teacher join this exciting programme, which aims to bring the country’s science and math education to another level,” said Mai Trang Thanh, president of Honeywell Indochina. “I hope the momentum will continue and even grow stronger so more and more teachers, as well as their students, can benefit from the programme.”

Since 2004, educators have shared their experiences and knowledge to more than two 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 programmes, the impact of HESA is continuing beyond the classroom.

This year, 205 teachers from 24 countries will attend one of two five-day programmes 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 programmes.

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.

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 programmes to address these needs in the communities it serves.