Corporacíon ALAS – By SateLab
Introduction
Corporacíon ALAS is a non-profit organization that implements innovative STEM programs using the “learning by doing” methodology, which is based on a solid curriculum in aeronautics and space exploration.
The initiative is a pioneer in Colombian aerospace education, having co-founded the undergraduate program in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Antioquia. They are present in the country’s major aerospace projects.
The initiative has played a fundamental role in training qualified professionals, promoting technological and scientific development in Colombia and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Purpose of the best practice/guidance
The primary aim of this guidance is to present Corporacíon ALAS as an organization that pioneers innovative STEM programs. Their objectives include igniting curiosity, promoting critical thinking, and equipping young individuals with tools to tackle scientific and technological challenges.
These initiatives enable youth to envision their potential in fields such as space exploration, aeronautics, and advanced engineering.
Intended audience
The initiative includes Latin American students at the elementary and high school levels, as well as higher education students, in some activities. The program aims to provide quality education, encouraging the academic and personal development of students.
Additionally, it seeks to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities by offering support and resources so that everyone can reach their full potential.
Through extracurricular activities, workshops, and mentoring, students can explore different areas of knowledge and develop essential skills for the future. The initiative also strengthens collaboration between schools, universities, and local communities, creating a support network for students.
Description/Activities developed
The program is divided between some activities options in the aeronautical and aerospace sector, which are:
- Space Modeling: This is a sports science that allows young people to learn concepts from some fields, such as physics, mathematics and electronics through the design and launch of rockets.
- Aviation and Aeronautics: This activity can teach young people learn the physical principles of modern aviation, explaining basics aerodynamics, how aircraft fly and how to use this advancement.
- Aeromodelling: Modeling is part of sports aviation and introduces students to the STEM principles of flight, building and operating remotely controlled models.
- Satellites: Course to understand how they work and move.
- Space Exploration: Couse which inspire future scientists, engineers and explorers of the cosmos.
- AVES Program: This is a STEM program where students design scientific experiments and send them into the stratospheric balloons, applying the scientific method and the use of engineering.
- Seminar Program: Inspired by missions to Mars, the program teaches smart agriculture with an experimental platform that allows studying the growth of living beings with sensors and remote monitoring.
- Rocket Competition: This is a sports science that allows students to learn concepts from various areas such as physics, mathematics and electronics through the design and launch of rockets.
Impacts / Outcomes
The ALAS Corporation has a major impact on educational and technological development in Colombia, including:
Promoting STEM Education: The organization plays a key role in the development of STEM education in the region. Its initiatives encourage young people to pursue technical and scientific fields, creating a solid foundation for future careers in the aerospace and technology sectors.
Developing the Local Aerospace Industry: Partnerships with major universities, such as the University of Antioquia, have contributed to the growth of the aerospace industry in Colombia by promoting aerospace engineering courses. In this way, ALAS strengthens the sector by integrating Colombia into the global aerospace innovation scene.
Innovation and Research: ALAS encourages scientific research and innovation through projects such as the construction of model aircraft, rockets and stratospheric balloons.
Lessons learned
The lessons learned from ALAS Corporation offer important insights into how educational initiatives can transform a region by boosting innovation.
ALAS’s experience shows that investment in education is essential for the sustainable growth of technology sectors such as aerospace. Structured educational programs directly contribute to the formation of a robust and strengthened industry.
Collaboration with universities, private initiatives and governments has proven to be a successful model for achieving these initiatives, multiplying results.
ALAS is also an example of how including women and minorities in science and aviation can expand opportunities in the sector. Diversity of perspectives and experiences is essential for innovation and for developing solutions that meet a variety of needs.
Web link
https://satelab.org/
Contact
info@satelab.org
Authors and Contributors
Carlos Pineda