Boeing

Thirty-four elementary and high school teachers from around the world will enhance their knowledge of math, science and space at the 13th Annual Boeing Educators to SPACE CAMP^® July 12-18 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Through interactive classroom assignments, special tours and lectures, and hands-on team activities, the Boeing program provides educators with many of the resources they need to inspire and motivate their students to learn more about math, science and space. While in Huntsville, teachers from 15 states including Hawaii and Alaska will take part in a week-long series of exercises that include simulated space missions, astronaut training and lectures by experts in rocketry and space exploration. Graduation ceremonies will be held July 18, in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the first moon landing during Apollo 11 in 1969.

"Great teachers will tell you that you can't fully understand something until you experience it first-hand," said Harry Stonecipher, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Boeing Company. "This is true for understanding how it feels to stand on the moon or understanding the complexities of teaching inquiry-based science lessons, like those taught at SPACE CAMP^®. Boeing is proud to give teachers from across the U.S. and around the world this exciting opportunity to learn what it is like to go through astronaut training and to perform hands-on science experiments that they can then teach their students. We know that these teachers will be more effective in the classroom for having been a part of this program," said Stonecipher.

Besides experiencing the rigors of astronaut training, the teachers will network with their colleagues and take back their enthusiasm and knowledge to share with the young minds in their classrooms. Since 1992, more than 300 teachers have taken part in the program, reaching more than 23,000 students.

"SPACE CAMP^® provides a learning environment where science, math, and technology are explored and practiced through the mysteries and wonders of space," said Julie Ferriss, director of education at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and graduate of the Space Academy for Educators. "For educators, SPACE CAMP^® provides a place to become a learner again and to join with other educators who share the same passions for teaching and learning."

Boeing's ongoing commitment to education includes charitable investments in early learning through 12th grade, and higher education in 29 U.S. states, as well as in primary and secondary education in 14 countries and two multi-country regions outside the United States. We are committed to strategically focusing our investments by concentrating on teacher effectiveness especially in the areas of math, science, and literacy, and in school leadership.