The She Is Foundation has reopened registration for its ‘She is a Virtual Astronaut’ program, aimed at Colombian girls and young women interested in training for free in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education programs.
This program seeks to empower young women through training in critical areas for their future work and academic careers.
“She Is” website
Photo:“She Is” website
Objectives and benefits of the program
With the support of AES and Organonthe program aims train 100 girls and young people from all over Colombia, between 11 and 16 years old, on STEAM education topics. In addition to technical training, participants will develop crucial skills such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, leadership and contemporary problem solving. These skills will be taught through academic modules, inspirational events and webinars over a four-month virtual training period.
At the end of the program, all participants must present a final project. The two best projects will be awarded with an academic immersion in NASA’s Space Center Houston in 2025giving the winners a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge and passion for science and technology in one of the space centers most prestigious in the world.
Valentina Acevedo, a young woman who traveled to NASA.
Photo:Private archive/El Tiempo
Requirements to apply
To be eligible for the ‘She is a Virtual Astronaut’ program, interested parties must meet the following requirements:
- Age: be girls between 11 and 16 years old.
- Family ties: not have any first-degree family ties with a public official in decision-making positions and in management of public funds, in order to avoid conflicts of interest according to the She Is Foundation’s code of ethics.
- Socioeconomic conditions: belong to groups A (population in extreme poverty), B (population in moderate poverty) or C (vulnerable population) of Sisbén IV. Registration in Sisbén will be verified, as well as membership in qualified areas and population groups in vulnerable situations, according to the criteria of Conpes and DNP.
- Education: be receiving academic training in a public institution of basic, secondary or technical secondary education, and demonstrate excellent academic performance.
- Technological access: guarantee access to the Internet and the technological tools necessary for the development of the program, whether their own or provided by the educational institution.
- Time availability: ensure availability of time for training.
- Previous participation: not having participated in any of the missions of the “She is an Astronaut” program in person or virtually.
- Responsible tutor: have a responsible tutor.
- Application form: complete the application form with truthful and complete information.
How to register?
Registrations for the ‘She is a Virtual Astronaut’ program will be open until Saturday, July 20. Interested girls and young women should visit the website of the She Is Foundation (https://she-is.org/ellaesastronauta), where you will find the application form and detailed information to complete it.
The application process is simple but requires attention to detail to ensure that all information provided is correct. be accurate and complete. It is essential that interested parties and their families carefully review the requirements and prepare adequately for ensure a successful application.
The program ‘She is a Virtual Astronaut represents an invaluable opportunity for Colombian girls and young women to expand their educational and professional horizons. By participating, they will not only acquire technical and scientific knowledge, but will also develop leadership and critical thinking skills which will be essential in your academic and professional future.
DANIELA GUTIERREZ MUNAR
EDITORIAL LATEST NEWS
