- Country’s third scholarship “Mission Team” will be introduced at the 2024 Bahrain International Airshow
Dubai . 13 November 2023 . The Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship and the Bahrain National Space Science Agency (NSSA) today formalized a Framework Program to continue their partnership as advocates for the future engineering workforce in Bahrain, including promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, and in conjunction with the biennial Bahrain International Airshow in 2024, selecting four high school students and an educator to receive scholarship awards to attend the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Space Camp in summer 2025.
The signing took place in the USA Partnership Pavilion Meeting Point Forum at the Dubai Airshow 2023. The framework was signed by Tom Kallman, president and CEO of Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the Pavilion at trade events around the world, including the Dubai and Bahrain airshows, and NSSA CEO Dr. Mohamed Al-Aseeri. Also in attendance was Col. Mike Bloomfield (USAF, Ret.), former NASA Space Shuttle Pilot/Commander (STS- 86,97,110), who is attending the show as the Pavilion goodwill ambassador for industry and Endeavour.
Launched at the 2019 Paris Air Show, the scholarship program is Kallman’s lead corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The program honors its namesake Worden, pilot of the Apollo 15 Command Module “Endeavour,” whose lifelong commitment to STEM education included serving as Kallman’s STEM ambassador at trade shows around the world from 2015 until his death in 2020. To date, the program has awarded scholarships to 48 students and 12 educators from eight countries, including two Bahraini teams, “Mission 4” in 2020 and “Mission 9” in 2022.
“Every country we work in — and we’ve worked in at least 50 of them since our company was founded in 1963 — is facing the same challenges to prepare its young people for the future. Many also see that future in space,” said Kallman. “As an extension of our work advancing global trade in exhibition halls around the world, and with the support of global partners such as NSSA in government, industry, the military, and academia, the Endeavour Scholarship mission is to connect with worldwide interest in space to promote STEM careers in all industries.”
The 2024 Bahrain International Airshow will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the founding of the NSSA, a milestone achievement that Dr. Al-Aseeri said validates its accomplishments and investments in partnerships.
“The ultimate purpose of NSSA is to place the Kingdom of Bahrain among countries playing an active role in space activities who are foremost in utilizing space diversified applications to enhance comprehensive development and ensure prosperity and well-being,” said Dr. Al-Aseeri. “Establishing relationships of cooperation on regional and international joint projects with space agencies and with technical, industrial and research organizations actively engaged in space science and STEM education, such as the Endeavour Scholarship, is an integral part of NSSA Strategic Plan.”
Endeavour graduates return to their home communities from a week at Space Camp excited to share their experiences and empowered to reach for the stars. If that’s the kind of impact you’re looking to have on the future, join our mission. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Endeavour is funded entirely through the generosity of organizations and individuals who share our passion for inspiring young people to work across national borders in a purposeful spirit of global partnership.
