Amideast, Boeing, and Pure Minds Education to launch a unique STEM program

• Amideast/UAE, Boeing, and Pure Minds Education join hands to launch the STEM Pioneers Program.
• The collaborative effort will support more than 180 students ages 13–15 years on aerospace engineering-focused STEM activities.
• The program will train 30 educators in the application of the STEM activities in their schools.
• The program aligns with the UAE government’s educational reforms as well as national strategies such as the Advanced Sciences Agenda and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy.

DUBAI, UAE,  Feb. 6, 2022 - Amideast/UAE, Boeing, and Pure Minds Education joined hands today at the U.S. Pavilion of Expo 2020 Dubai to launch the “STEM Pioneers Program,” an empowering educational program designed to develop the critical thinking skills of UAE youth using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) concepts, with a focus on aerospace.

This six-month program will directly benefit more than 180 students ages 13 to 15 from five private schools in Dubai. In addition, 30 educator facilitators will receive training that will enable them to guide the students and to apply the STEM activities in their schools, thereby amplifying the program’s impact.

The launch was attended by representatives of the UAE Ministry of Education, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the U.S. Mission to the UAE. Also present were team members from Boeing, Amideast, and Pure Minds Education. Keynote speakers included Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa; Megan Gregonis, Consul General of the United States in Dubai; Ambassador (ret.) Theodore Kattouf, President and CEO of Amideast; Amit Vyas, Co-Founder and Partner of Pure Minds Education; and Roula Droubi, Boeing’s Regional Director of Government, Industrial and Community Engagement for the Middle East and North Africa. 

The STEM Pioneers Program will introduce the students to five aerospace challenges and engage them in scientific learning activities that involve the design and testing of model airplanes and rockets. A highlight of the launch event was a live demonstration of how teachers would guide students through three different STEM challenges.

The program will also develop the students’ knowledge of market demands for aerospace engineering, improve their problem-solving capabilities, and strengthen their ability to work effectively in teams.

“We are proud to be part of this unique program. The youth are a critical component to any economic strategy and the development of a strong future workforce. For us at Boeing, it is important to support the youth and ensure they have the right resources and the right development opportunities to be able to succeed and meet future market demand, particularly in the fast-growing aerospace industry,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META).

“Amideast is honored to be working with Boeing International and Pure Minds Education on a project that supports the important STEM aspect of the UAE’s Advanced Science Agenda. We welcome this opportunity to work with youth in the UAE to help them develop critical thinking skills and a knowledge base that will enrich their educational journeys,” said Ambassador (ret.) Theodore Kattouf, President and CEO of Amideast.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this unique collaboration, which supports our goal of enabling STEM education and learning through quality teaching for children in the UAE, irrespective of gender or affordability,” said Amit Vyas, CEO Pure Minds Education

"The USA Pavilion at Expo2020 in Dubai is the perfect launchpad for STEM Pioneers Program. The United States and the UAE have long track records of ground-breaking innovation, with many examples on display at the USA Pavilion, including replicas of Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and NASA's Mars Opportunity Rover. The STEM Pioneers Program will inspire young students in the UAE to help build a better future for the world and to pursue careers that leverage science, technology, engineering and math." U.S. Consul General, Meghan Gregonis

About Amideast

Established in 1951, Amideast is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to creating hope, opportunity, and mutual understanding among people in the Middle East, North Africa, and United States through life-changing opportunities for education and cultural exchanges. Working with local, regional, and international partners, we provide programs and services that improve educational opportunity and quality, expand access to U.S. study, empower youth and women, strengthen local institutions, and develop language and professional skills for success in the global economy. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Amideast operates offices in 11 countries in the MENA region. 

About Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.