Engineering services and aerospace systems company Honeywell recently hosted Eastern Cape resident Matthew Arnolds at its yearly aerospace training initiative, the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy, in the US.

Arnolds, of Uitenhage, was the only South African out of 320 students from 45 countries and 27 US states and territories who attended the event. As part of the leadership programme, Honeywell hosts students for two consecutive week-long programmes at the US Space & Rocket Centre (USSRC), in Huntsville, Alabama.

The academy aims to encourage enthusiasm for and engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) by students aged between 16 and 18. The programme features hands-on activities, such as building and testing rockets, simulated astronaut training, shuttle missions and a ‘moon walk’. It is designed to educate students on the importance of Stem in an ever-changing, connected world.

Commenting on one of the activities, Arnolds explains that his team had to design a rocket capable of carrying a fragile payload – a raspberry pie. “Using the raspberry pie, we calculated the rocket’s velocity, acceleration and trajectory.”

He says he learned much from his experience, especially regarding the numerous opportunities related to science. “I had the time of my life at the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy. The experience and memories will remain with me for as long as I live,” he states.

The focus on Stem career opportunities is integral to the values of the company and its employees. During the programme, astronauts and engineers share their personal journeys and career experiences with students.

USSRC CEO and executive director Dr Deborah Barnhart says bringing this global Honeywell community together at Space Camp enables the students to plan for a future of improving life on earth and beyond. “They bring the best of their diverse cultures to Space Camp, where they will use teamwork and technology to prepare themselves for a future they have yet to imagine.”

Honeywell Hometown Solutions (Honeywell’s corporate citizenship initiative) president Michael Bennett says the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy is designed to inspire students to become tomorrow’s science, maths and engineering leaders.