Bundamba State Secondary College Year 8 student Jerrash has been selected for an out-of-this-world experience.
Jerrash, along with his teacher Emma Graham, are headed to the Space Camp Academy based at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama thanks to the success of a special program last year.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for Jerrash to go over to space camp for the week in Alabama – and hopefully to give him lots of opportunities in the future,” Ms Graham said.
“I think math is a great subject to enjoy and it’s Jerrash’s favourite.
“I teach maths and science, so I’m a little bit biased there, but they’re great skills to have in order to have a great career.”
The Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools (AGIS) Program trip is run by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, demonstrating its commitment to education, and this has year funded three teachers and four students to immerse themselves in the wonders of space exploration and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) learning.
The collaborative experience promises to ignite a passion for space exploration, foster teamwork, and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in aerospace and related fields.
Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum welcomed the opportunity created by the AGIS program.
“Congratulations to the students and teachers on being selected for this out-of-this-world experience, especially Jerrash and Emma from my local community in Bundamba,” Mr McCallum said.
“We know Queensland’s aerospace sector is set to take off in the years ahead – with its economic contribution forecast to grow by more than $53 million each year through to 2025-26 – so it’s important to give our young Queenslanders the best chance at securing those opportunities.
“A trip to Space Camp is one giant leap for these students dreaming of pursuing an exciting aerospace career, and I wish them all the best.”
Other participating schools are Toowoomba State High and Miami State High.
