STEM Trailblazers Toast to Their Graduation Triumph!
Amideast/UAE, Boeing, and the U.S. Mission to the UAE proudly celebrated the completion of the STEM Ambassadors program, marking the graduation of 48 enthusiastic students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Initiated in January 2023, the program concluded with a vibrant graduation ceremony on May 19, 2023, in Dubai.
The STEM Ambassadors Program, crafted and overseen by Amideast/UAE with the assistance of Boeing, intended to motivate private school students aged 14-18 to explore scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) career paths in the future. Throughout the initiative, participants engaged in interactive activities centered around aviation, space exploration, and sustainability, fueling their curiosity while enhancing their analytical abilities. A key highlight was a rocket-building contest along with opportunities to design and fabricate their own modules utilizing 3D printers in the STEM Lab at Amideast in Dubai.
Fatima Aljasmi, a graduate of the STEM Ambassadors program in the UAE, shared: “Looking back on my experience in the STEM Ambassadors program, I feel thankful and inspired. It has been not just educational, but has also fueled my desire to contribute to a sustainable future in aviation and beyond. I am motivated to continue acquiring knowledge and to promote sustainability across all aspects of life.”
Sara El Dallal, the Amideast/UAE Country Director, pointed out: “The success of the STEM Ambassadors program underscores the essential nature of STEM education and the necessity of encouraging students to pursue related careers. It also stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions in inspiring and equipping the youth, especially with the UAE’s focus on STEM and sustainability. We are thrilled with the progress the students have made since the beginning of the program and the ingenuity they have displayed.”
During the program, the participants interacted with speakers from various organizations and universities, including Boeing, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Aspen Aerogel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“Our alliance with Amideast showcases our commitment to empowering youth while fostering innovation and sustainability,” stated Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. “We are excited to support the STEM Ambassadors program, which inspires students to think creatively and develop essential skills applicable in their future professional endeavors.”
“The U.S. Mission to the UAE takes pride in supporting robust U.S.-UAE collaborations such as the Amideast/UAE and Boeing STEM Ambassadors program. It is genuinely inspiring to witness so many talented young innovators from the UAE striving to create a brighter future by pursuing careers that integrate sustainability with STEM research. We were particularly impressed by the STEM Ambassadors’ presentations and projects advocating for innovations like sustainable aviation fuel. The graduation of the STEM Ambassadors program is timely, as the UAE promotes the Year of Sustainability in anticipation of COP28,” remarked Daleya Uddin, Head of Public Affairs and Outreach at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai.
