Once in a lifetime experience fuels student's passion

One of the most thrilling experiences for a dozen high school students this spring wasn’t a Spring Break vacation, but a trip to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

As children of Honeywell employees working at the Kansas City National Security Campus, the students were eligible to apply to the annual Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy. The program, commonly called Space Camp, is an intense five-day program where students learn what it takes to be an astronaut.

The Kansas City-based group were among nearly 300 students selected from across the globe to attend the prestigious event. The students conducted Space Shuttle missions, space walks, flight simulations and team building activities designed to enhance their interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the friends and bonds you create will last a lifetime,” said Zach Inman, a junior at Olathe Northwest High School.

For Zach, the son of technical manager Kelly Inman, this was a twice in a lifetime opportunity. This year, he was selected for the honor of attending Space Camp as an Ambassador. In that role, Zach was tasked with additional leadership responsibilities.

“Ambassadors aren’t assigned a team, we’re always moving around from team to team to be there for the participants and help everyone be involved,” said Zach. “For some students it’s their first time in the traveling along to a different country. I helped them feel welcome, engaged, reach their full potential and have fun and have a great experience.”

In addition to the international friendships made, Zach says Space Camp also helped him solidify a career path in a technical career. He’s been involved in four-year engineering program in high school, and has always dreamed of being involved in the aviation industry.

The Space Camp uses interactive technology, science-oriented workshops and team exercises to teach children of Honeywell employees between the ages of 16-18 leadership skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The program is designed to build students' leadership skills and develop their capabilities through hands-on challenges.