Fourth Year Sees More Opportunity for Space-Minded Students

 Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), is again partnering with educational resource provider MaxIQ Space to deliver STEM programming to students across Africa. Now in its fourth year, the program is accepting applications from students interested in Space STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

Every year, MaxIQ Space selects 30 student participants from the hundreds of applications received. These participants receive an Intelsat MaxIQ kit at their home and join live virtual workshops with subject matter experts. Last year, for example, students successfully developed and designed a habitat for Mars. As part of their report, they were asked to demonstrate how they coded their Space STEM kit to monitor the conditions in their habitat, to ensure that it would be habitable.

“The Intelsat Space STEM program opened my eyes to the potential that exists within Africa’s youth to take part in the development of future space technologies,” said Mahlubi Radebe, a MaxIQ student from South Africa. “I am excited to become part of the next generation of scientists and engineers that will bring Africa to the forefront of global space exploration.”

As part of the sustainability curriculum, MaxIQ integrates the United Nations and UNICEF’s Sustainable Development Goals into the program’s challenges, harmonizing Space STEM education with global sustainability efforts. The program is designed to help enable African students to realize future career goals.

Additionally, a new Alumni Support Program has also been launched, providing the 37 MaxIQ Space participants from past years with a hands-on opportunity to engage in real-world space data collection and helping them to remain involved in space science into the future. Space STEM participants chosen for the current school year will be eligible for the Alumni Support Program going forward.

The 30 Intelsat-sponsored scholarships for the Space STEM program will be provided to the strongest candidates successfully meeting the following criteria:

• Are between the ages of 14 and 18
• Live on the African continent
• Demonstrate a passion for and knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Have a clear interest in all things “Space”
• Have access to the internet through a smart device with browser capability
• Have browser skills
• Are proficient in English

To apply, applicants must complete an online form and space-related quiz and submit a short explanation of why they should be selected for this unique program. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2023.