Satellite operator Intelsat has announced a partnership with XinaBox to deliver space-focussed STEM learning tools to students across the African continent.
Intelsat is sponsoring scholarships, each worth hundreds of dollars, for 20 students in Africa to access XinaBox’s dedicated space STEM kits and educational programmes, which culminate in students designing, building and launching satellites into space.
XinaBox Kits provide a rapid hardware development platform, specifically designed and manufactured for STEM applications in schools and universities. Using commercial standard electronics components, students are able to design and build circuits, code using multiple formats and conduct experiments, without specialist equipment or lab.
Through building, experimenting, and creating working electronic devices, crafters, students and tinkerers learn critical STEM skills, including coding, electronics, data gathering and analysis, control, and all the principles of Internet of Things (IoT), while engaging with the sensory environment around them. This approach uniquely bridges the virtual worlds of software, the cloud, and big data, with students’ real-world surroundings.
Selected candidates must be between 15 and 18 years of age, born and currently living on the African continent, has access to the internet, and a smart device for virtual workshops, browser skills and proficient in English.
Students with an interest in the scholarship who meet these criteria can apply before the November 30 deadline. The application process requires completing an online form, a space quiz and submitting a short explanation building the case for why you should be selected for this unique programme.
Commenting on the partnership, Christell Meyers, Intelsat’s Sales Director in Africa, said: “Building the pipeline of the next generation of satellite engineers begins with our partnership with XinaBox. Sparking that tech interest at such a young age inspires future leaders who will soon lead the way with advancements we never dreamed possible.”
“When the Intelsat team suggested supporting African students on our flagship program, we were excited and inspired. Our primary goal is to give access to space for all,” noted Judi Sandrock, one of the co-founders of XinaBox. “Intelsat’s values and ours are totally aligned, with the students and their futures at the core. Intelsat’s support will allow the XinaBox Space STEM programme to accelerate as we move into 2021.”
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