Honeywell To Send 210 Math And Science Teachers From Around The World To The Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy Program

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE:HON) announced today that 210 teachers from around the world will take part in a unique learning program - Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy (HE@SA), starting June 14 in Huntsville, Ala.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130528/NY21429 )

Created in partnership with Honeywell Hometown Solutions (HHS) and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), HE@SA is a five-day scholarship program where middle school teachers participate in simulated astronaut training and professional development. The training provides them with new innovative teaching skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in fun and exciting ways.

"Inspiring students begins with inspiring teachers," said Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "HE@SA gives teachers an engaging and unforgettable learning experience that heightens their ability to become even more effective educators."

As a leading technology and manufacturing corporation, Honeywell understands the importance of STEM education and its impact on the global economy.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations over the next 18 months require significant mathematics or science preparation. 

"Honeywell is a world-class leader when it comes to educating teachers in STEM education and they're proving it again.  This is the tenth year Honeywell has sent teachers to USSRC," noted Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and executive director of USSRC.  "These teachers, in turn, inspire tens of thousands of students around the world."

Teachers, who are coming from 27 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories this year, train like astronauts, learning skills and techniques to pique student interest in science and exploration. The teachers participate in 45 hours of professional development with laboratory and field activities aligned with global math and science teaching standards, including:

• A high-performance jet simulation
• Scenario-based space mission
• Land and water survival training
• Interactive flight dynamics programs

"HE@SA was just the experience I needed to rejuvenate my teaching career in science education," said Jennifer Youngblood, a HE@SA graduate and math teacher from Cockeysville, Maryland. "The experience has provided me with a boost of enthusiasm and excitement about what I do every day – teach middle school science."

Some teachers have been so inspired that they have returned to the USSRC with their students. Australian HE@SA alumnus Jackie Slaviero has taken as many as 45 students every year to Honeywell's Space Camp program for students at the USSRC since she attended camp in 2007. "To change the education of a child, one mind at a time, to inspire them and to make a difference -- this is what I have learned," she said.

"No one puts it into better words than the teachers themselves who tell us this is the most incredible professional development program they've ever attended," said Dr. Barnhart. "Thanks to Honeywell, that's possible."

To attend HE@SA, candidates must complete a thorough application process to ensure the most qualified teachers are selected. Once chosen, teachers are awarded scholarships, roundtrip airfare, tuition, meals and accommodations sponsored by Honeywell and its employees.

Since the program's inception in 2004, Honeywell has awarded HE@SA scholarships to 1,756 teachers from more than 45 countries and 50 U.S. states. 

For more information about the program, visit http://educators.honeywell.com.

About Honeywell
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and performance materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company's corporate citizenship initiative, focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit: http://citizenship.honeywell.com/.

Media Contact:
Kerry Kennedy
973 455 4087
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SOURCE Honeywell