312 Students Complete Boeing Pathways to Space Program

The first cohort of the Pathways to Space program, an educational initiative organised by the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy (FASESA) and Boeing, celebrated their graduation on July 10, 2024, in Ethiopia. After five months of immersive learning, 312 students, including an equal number of boys and girls from 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, have developed a keen interest in the space industry, shaping their future career aspirations.

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One of the program’s graduates, 16-year-old Pascal Chidozi from Nigeria, shared his transformative experience. “Participating in the Pathways to Space program has been a life-changing experience for me. Building payloads, testing them, and learning about satellite operations has not only deepened my passion for STEM but has also opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities in space exploration. The most memorable moment for me was launching a high-altitude balloon, which provided me with a hands-on understanding of the principles of flight. This program has inspired me to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, equipping me with the confidence and knowledge to chase my dreams.”

Pathways to Space Program Celebrates First Graduating Class, Inspiring Africa’s Future Space Explorers

Pathways to Space Program Celebrates First Graduating Class, Inspiring Africa’s Future Space Explorers

Pathways to Space Program Celebrates First Graduating Class, Inspiring Africa’s Future Space Explorers

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, expressed his excitement for the future contributions of these young graduates. “Right on the heels of the Boeing Starliner mission to the International Space Station, we are delighted to inspire more young people into the aerospace industry. We are looking forward to the innovative contributions the graduates of the Pathways to Space program will make, shaping the future of space exploration in the decades to come.”

The Pathways to Space Program enabled 120 Ethiopian, 112 Nigerian, and 82 Tanzanian students to delve into the fascinating world of space through hands-on activities. They formed teams, designed mission patches, built prototype satellites, conducted tests, and presented their designs. The program culminated in a satellite prototype testing day, where students evaluated their prototypes under real-world conditions. This comprehensive experience honed their engineering skills, ignited their passion for space exploration, and prepared them for future education and careers.

Sean Jacobs, founder and executive director at FASESA, praised the students’ achievements. “We are incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments. Their dedication and enthusiasm for STEM and space exploration are truly inspiring. The graduation ceremony not only celebrates their hard work during the program but also marks the beginning of their journey as future leaders in the space industry or more broadly in science and technology.”

Looking ahead, FASESA and Boeing plan to expand the Pathways to Space program to other African countries in the coming years. Starting next year, the program will offer both in-person and online participation, creating opportunities for more students across the African continent. This expansion aims to foster a new generation of African space explorers, equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive the continent’s contributions to global space exploration and technological advancement.