Young STEM Ambassadors celebrate successful graduation in UAE

The programme launched in January 2023, culminated in a graduation ceremony held on May 19, 2023 in Dubai. 

The STEM Ambassadors Programme, designed and managed by Amideast/UAE with support from Boeing, aimed to inspire private school students aged 14-18 to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers in the future. Throughout the programme, students participated in hands-on activities with a focus on aviation, space and sustainability, sparking their curiosity and honing their critical thinking skills. The highlight of the programme was a rocket-building challenge and the chance to design and print their own modules using 3D printers in the STEM Lab at Amideast in Dubai. 

Fatima Aljasmi, the graduate of the STEM Ambassadors programme in the UAE, said: “Reflecting on my time in the STEM Ambassadors programme, I am grateful and excited. It was not only educational but also ignited my passion to contribute to a sustainable future in aviation and beyond. I am inspired to continue learning and advocate for sustainability in all aspects of life.” 

Sara El Dallal, Amideast/UAE Country Director, emphasised: “The success of the STEM Ambassadors program highlights the significance of STEM education and the importance of encouraging and supporting students' pursuit of related careers. It is also a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions in inspiring and empowering the youth especially with the UAE’s focus on STEM and sustainability. We are proud of how far the students have come since the start of the programme and the creativity that they have demonstrated.”

Throughout the programme, the students met with speakers from various organisations and universities, including Boeing, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Aspen Aerogel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

"Our partnership with Amideast exemplifies our commitment to empowering young people and promoting innovation and sustainability," said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing President in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa. "We are delighted to support the STEM Ambassadors programme, which encourages students to think outside the box and develop valuable skills that they can apply in their future careers." 

“The U.S. Mission to the UAE is proud to support strong U.S.-UAE partnerships such as the Amideast/UAE and Boeing STEM Ambassadors programme.  It is incredibly inspiring to see so many young talented UAE students and innovators work to build a better future through pursuing careers that link sustainability with STEM research.  We were impressed with the STEM Ambassador’s presentations and projects to promote innovations such as sustainable aviation fuel.  The graduation of the STEM Ambassadors programme is timely as UAE promotes the Year of Sustainability in preparations for COP28“, added Daleya Uddin, Head of Public Affairs and Outreach at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai.