Seventeen Indian Students to Attend Honeywell’s Leadership Challenge at US Space and Rocket Centre

Honeywell has announced that seventeen Indian kids joined more than 300 students from 36 countries for a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience at the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy (HLCA).

Saurabh Shastri, a Pune participant passionately recalled, “At the space camp, step-by-step demonstration of mechanisms involved in rocket building and space travel fascinated and propelled me to lean towards mechanical engineering.”

The unique leadership program took place for two consecutive weeks at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama. It offers interactive technology, science-oriented workshops, and team exercises to instill leadership skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for students aged between 16 – 18 years.

 “Honeywell and its employees have a long history of promoting unique math and science education programs around the world,” said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and executive director, USSRC. “With HLCA, we help students develop confidence in their leadership skills and envisage a successful path for their future.”

Activities are delivered in fun and innovative ways to bring STEM studies to life. Interactive and experiential sessions around rocket designing, building, and testing; participation in simulated astronaut training, shuttle missions and a moon walk, infuse vigor and expands students’ learning curve. They also meet scientists, engineers, and former astronauts, who reinforce core leadership competencies and share their first-hand professional experiences.

Aditya Mehrotra from Bangalore said, “Some of the exercises such as flying an F-16 fighter jet on a simulator enabled me to experience science and technology like never before. Besides helping hone my leadership skills, HLCA has broadened my outlook, and given me a better understanding of different people and cultures.” 

Echoing a similar sentiment, Siddharth Sachdeva from Gurgaon, said, “Meeting students from around the world, who share the same passion for rockets, jets, and space shuttles, was extremely exciting. The opportunity to operate a space shuttle and moonwalk like an astronaut was a dream come true for me.” 

“Many of the world’s most exciting and in-demand careers are based in STEM,” said Michael A. Bennett, president, Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s global corporate citizenship initiative and sponsor of HLCA. “Honeywell’s goal is to inspire today’s students to become the next generation of engineers and scientists who will solve tough problems and improve quality of life.”

Since its launch in 2010, Honeywell, in partnership with the USSRC, has awarded 1,770 scholarships to students. Scholarships are granted after a rigorous application and review process based on academic achievement and community involvement. Financial contributions from Honeywell and its employees fund the scholarships, which cover the cost of tuition, meals, accommodations and program materials.