Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), Honeywell developed the award-winning scholarship program to help middle school math and science teachers become more effective educators in STEM. Over the past 11 years, Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 2,381 teachers from 55 countries, including three from Vietnam. This year, Nguyen Thanh Thuyet from Soc Trang province has been selected to represent Vietnam to join the program.

“Inspiring students begins with inspiring our teachers and this program is all about re-igniting passion in our teachers,” said Michael A. Bennett, President, Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative. “This experience helps teachers learn new techniques for cultivating curiosity for math and science in the next generation of engineers, programmers, mathematicians and astronauts.”
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in the last 10 years, the demand for STEM-related jobs grew three times faster than jobs in other fields. However, according to the U.S. Education Department, only 16 percent of high school seniors are considered proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career. Only half of those students who pursue STEM courses in college actually go on to careers in STEM fields.
“It’s the third year I’ve seen Vietnamese teacher join this exciting program, which aims to bring the country’s science and math education to another level,” said Mai Trang Thanh, president of Honeywell Indochina. “I hope the momentum will continue and even grow stronger so more and more teachers, as well as their students, can benefit from the program.”
Since 2004, educators have shared their experiences and knowledge to more than 2 million students, inspiring many to pursue STEM education and careers. From winning grants from local and federal governments, to entering students in international and NASA educational projects, to creating STEM-focused after school programs, the impact of HESA is continuing beyond the classroom.
This year, 205 teachers from 24 countries will attend one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 10-23 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Ala. Teachers will be given rigorous training focused on science and space exploration including astronaut-style exercises like high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space mission, land and water survival training, and interactive flight dynamics programs.
To attend HESA, candidates must complete a thorough application process. Qualified teachers are awarded scholarships, round-trip airfare, tuition, meals and accommodations sponsored by Honeywell and its employees.