Honeywell recently hosted 237 students at the US Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, for the annual Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy (HLCA). Among them,

This diverse gathering included students from 45 countries and 29 US states and territories, encompassing children of Honeywell employees and students from Charlotte Mecklenburg County Schools involved in the college readiness program at the non-profit Carolina Youth Coalition.The two-week programs, held from October 15-20 and October 22-27, 2023, aimed to encourage high school students aged 16 to 18 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Participants engaged in hands-on activities covering coding, computer science, leadership and communication skills, and astronautics.Jayme Meyer, Honeywell’s vice president of communications, highlighted the company’s commitment: “For 13 years, Honeywell has sponsored students globally, offering them real-world STEM experiences at Space Camp®, fostering technical, collaborative, and communication skills. With the 30 fastest-growing occupations globally in STEM, Honeywell is proud to partner with USSRC in empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders.”Since its inception in 2010, Honeywell has sponsored over 3,000 students to attend Space Camp, where they develop STEM leadership skills through team-building challenges like building and testing rockets, simulated astronaut training, shuttle missions, and a low-gravity moonwalk. The program also emphasizes computational thinking and computer science to enhance participants’ digital skills.Dr Kimberly Robinson, CEO of USSRC, expressed enthusiasm: “We welcome the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy each year, where diverse students share a love for space, science, and technology. Through this immersive program, students acquire skills and build relationships to navigate future challenges.”Ashish Modi, President of Honeywell India, emphasized the significance of the initiative in India: “It’s inspiring to witness young minds from all corners of India embark on this exciting journey. We are dedicated to fostering STEM education in India, aiming to inspire students who will shape our nation’s technology landscape.”Students undergo a stringent selection process based on academic achievement and community involvement, with Honeywell and its employees funding scholarships covering tuition, meals, accommodations, and program materials.Reflecting on her experience, Sanegha Sakhare, one of the Indian students, shared, “Participating in the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy was transformative. It opened doors to the vast realm of science and technology, expanding my horizons. This remarkable journey has set the stage for my future endeavours in the field.”