Intelsat and MaxIQ Space to bring STEM education to African students

Intelsat has joined forces with educational resource provider MaxIQ Space to deliver STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming to African students. Now entering its fourth year, the programme is currently open for applications from students with an interest in Space STEM.

MaxIQ Space selects 30 students annually from a pool of numerous applications. Chosen participants receive an Intelsat MaxIQ kit delivered to their homes and engage in live virtual workshops with subject matter experts. Notably, last year’s participants successfully developed and designed a habitat for Mars. Their projects included showcasing the coding of their Space STEM kit to monitor conditions in their habitat, ensuring its habitability.

Mahlubi Radebe, a MaxIQ student from South Africa, said: “The Intelsat Space STEM programme opened my eyes to the potential that exists within Africa’s youth to take part in the development of future space technologies. 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.”

MaxIQ integrates the United Nations and UNICEF’s Sustainable Development Goals into its sustainability curriculum, aligning Space STEM education with global sustainability efforts. The programme aims to empower African students to pursue future career goals in STEM fields.

A newly launched Alumni Support Programme provides past MaxIQ Space participants with hands-on opportunities for real-world space data collection, ensuring their continued engagement in space science. Current Space STEM participants will also be eligible for the Alumni Support Programme in the future.

Intelsat is offering 30 scholarships for the Space STEM programme, selecting candidates between the ages of 14 and 18 living on the African continent. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for and knowledge of STEM, a clear interest in space, access to the internet through a smart device, browser skills, and proficiency in English. To apply, candidates need to complete an online form, and a space-related quiz, and submit a short explanation of why they should be selected for the programme. The application deadline is December 31, 2023.

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 programme. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2023.