The Sky’s the Limit – Flying High with Annual Visits to Boeing Simulators in Singapore
Boeing is committed to innovating for the future, developing STEM talent, and giving back to communities through its Boeing Global Engagement (BGE) initiative, which focuses on strategic giving and impactful programs. A key priority of BGE is effective community engagement and support for educational initiatives that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talent development. By collaborating with local organizations and educational institutions, BGE aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in the aviation industry.
One notable example of Boeing’s commitment to STEM education is the annual simulator and speed mentoring event held in collaboration with Inspiring Girls Singapore. This ongoing event provides high school students in Singapore with hands-on experiences in flying a simulator and interactions with Boeing professionals from a diverse range of business units. Through activities such as navigating Boeing’s state-of-the-art full-flight simulator and speed mentoring sessions, participants gain valuable insights into the aviation industry and the skills necessary for careers in STEM fields. This initiative exemplifies Boeing’s broader mission to engage with communities and cultivate a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation in the aviation sector.
Purpose of the program / objectives
The primary purpose of this annual event is to foster interest in STEM fields among young women in Singapore and encourage them to consider careers in aviation and technology. The objectives included:
- STEM Talent Development: To provide students with exposure to the aviation industry and inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
- Hands-On Experience: To offer participants the opportunity to engage with Boeing’s state-of-the-art flight simulator, allowing them to experience the thrill of flying and understand the technology behind aviation.
- Networking Opportunities: To connect students with Boeing professionals who can serve as mentors and provide guidance on career paths in STEM.
- Community Engagement: To demonstrate Boeing’s commitment to community investment and effective engagement through the BGE team, which focuses on addressing local community issues and fostering impactful initiatives.
Intended audience
The intended audience for this event included:
- Students from Singaporean high schools, specifically those interested in pursuing careers in aviation and technology.
- Educators who support students in their academic and career aspirations in STEM fields. These educators are the focal points for Inspiring Girls Singapore.
- Boeing employees who serve as speed mentors, sharing their expertise and experiences with the next generation of talent.
Description / how it was implemented
This event, third year in the running, is meticulously planned and executed by the Boeing Singapore office employees. The Boeing team collaborate with Inspiring Girls Singapore to ensure the event meets the needs and interests of the participants.
- Planning Phase:
The planning process involves identifying key objectives and outcomes for the The team works closely with Inspiring Girls Singapore to understand the interests of students and tailor the event accordingly. Inspiring Girls Singapore typically undertakes the coordination the student signups and logistics, while Boeing takes care of the venue preparation, simulator sessions, availability of Flight Training Instructors and speed mentors. - Execution:
On the day of the event, participants arrive at Boeing’s facility, where they are welcomed by Boeing representatives. The agenda includes:- Introduction and Overview:Participants receive an introduction to Boeing and its commitment to STEM education and community engagement.
- Speed Mentoring Session:Students have the opportunity to meet Boeing professionals, who share their career journeys and insights into the aviation industry.
- Flight Simulator Experience:The highlight of the event is the hands-on experience with Boeing’s state-of-the-art flight simulator. Participants take turns navigating virtual skies, gaining a deeper understanding of aviation technology and the skills required for a career in this field.
The speed mentoring sessions and flight simulator experience are held in tandem, ensuring that students maximize their time while waiting for their turn in the simulator.
In 2023, the event benefited more than 20 students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) specializing in Aerospace Avionics and Aerospace Technology. In 2024, the event similarly benefited 14 students from Catholic Junior College.
Impacts / Outcomes
The event yielded several positive impacts and outcomes, including:
- Increased Interest in Aviation and STEM: Prior to the event, 54% of students were unaware that they could explore careers beyond their field of study. Following the event, 100% of participants reported a greater appreciation for the application of their education to various career opportunities, particularly in the aviation industry.
- Hands-On Experience: The flight simulator experience stood out as a major highlight, with 100% of participants indicating that it improved their understanding of piloting and the technologies used in the cockpit.
- Networking Opportunities: The event created valuable connections between students and Boeing professionals, with many students expressing a desire to seek mentorship and guidance for their future careers. Additionally, 86% of students reported increased confidence about their futures after engaging with the Boeing role models.
Success was measured through participant feedback surveys, which assessed their learning outcomes, interest in STEM careers, and overall satisfaction with the event. Inspiring Girls Singapore analyzed this feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the event and identify areas for improvement.
Lessons learned
Reflecting on the planning and execution of the event, several lessons were learned:
- What Worked Well: The collaboration with Inspiring Girls Singapore and local educational institutions proved effective in tailoring the event to meet the interests of the participants. The hands-on flight simulator experience was particularly well-received, demonstrating the value of interactive learning in inspiring students.
- Areas of Improvement: Ensuring that students with a passion for aviation are selected is crucial. In the first year, there was a mismatch in the students’ interest levels and activities offered at this event. Feedback was provided to Inspiring Girls Singapore, and as a result, the second year saw significant improvement. All participating students were required to sign up for the event at their school, ensuring that those who attended were genuinely interested in aviation and STEM.
- Future Recommendations: Expanding outreach efforts to encompass a wider variety of schools and students could improve participation and overall impact. Additionally, incorporating more interactive workshops centered on specific STEM topics could further engage participants and enrich their learning experience. However, this is dependent on the availability of resources.
In conclusion, this annual event has been successful in fostering interest in STEM fields among young students and demonstrated Boeing’s commitment to community engagement. The lessons learned will inform future efforts to inspire and develop the next generation of talent in aviation and technology.
Web link
https://www.inspiring-girls.org.sg/video-hub/v/b3fh2pxtr5jtxtchp9srkd4lgjtl4x
Organization name
The Boeing Company
Inspiring Girls Singapore
Contact
Swetha Mashes
Authors and Contributors
Cherie Loh, Boeing
Mildred Troegeler, Boeing
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