Empowering the Next Generation: Ethiopian Airlines’ STEM Initiative
Introduction
This initiative has been held annually, since 2021, and promotes the reception of young people at Ethiopian Airlines facilities, offering a tangible perspective on the aviation sector. This occasion can be inspiring and motivating for participants.
This opportunity targets underserved youth from various regions across Ethiopia, fostering their academic growth and interest in higher education. The selection process to participate, is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, ensuring that the opportunity is given the most promising students.
Purpose of the best practice/guidance
Empowering the Next Generation provides underprivileged youth from various regions of Ethiopia with a unique opportunity to gain exclusive access to Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo, maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.
In addition, the program boosts academic growth and interest in higher education, helping to produce the next generation of skilled professionals.
The partnership with the Ministry of Education guarantees that the most talented students are provided with the opportunity, which can have a significant impact on their lives and future careers. Workshops and lectures by industry professionals are also part of the program, providing a well-rounded and inspiring educational experience.
Intended audience
The event is aimed at young people of school age, from secondary to high school.
In 2024, there was 50% participation of women, who also make up the target audience, as they are underrepresented in STEM fields.
Description
Ethiopian Airlines, in partnership with Boeing and non-profit organization ThinkYoung, launched the “Empowering the Next Generation” initiative with the aim of strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among young Ethiopians. This three-year program has the focus to empower high school students, especially those from underserved communities, by providing them with essential skills in these areas.
Impacts / Outcomes
The program demonstrates the importance of providing educational and career opportunities to youth, which can have a profound impact on their lives and even on the industry.
Workshops and lectures by industry professionals have also provided a well-rounded and inspiring educational experience, highlighting the importance of involving industry experts in the education of young people.
Lessons learned
The collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing and ThinkYoung shows how partnerships between businesses and educational organizations can create more robust and sustainable programs. Each partner brought complementary expertise such as aviation, technology and education.
The possibility of practical experience in Ethiopian Airlines operations allows students to experience up close the real applications of what they learn, making the knowledge more relevant.
The selection process carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Education ensured that the participants were young people with high potential, maximizing the investment. In the long term, the initiative contributes to the development of local industry and, consequently, the national economy.
Web link
https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/Press-release-open-page/empowering-the-next-generation-ethiopian-airlines’-stem-initiative-marks-another-year-of-triumph-2#:~:text=The%20STEM%20School%2C%20hosted%20by,perspective%20on%20the%20aviation%20sector.
Contact
corporatecommunication@ethiopianairlines.com
Authors and Contributors
Author: Ethiopian Airlines
Contributor: Boeing, Think Young
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