Ethiopia is taking significant strides in preparing the next generation for aviation, engineering, and technology careers through a collaborative effort between Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing, and ThinkYoung. The STEM School at Ethiopian Aviation University is equipping students with technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and inspiration to pursue their ambitions in the fast-growing aviation sector.
The STEM School at Ethiopian Aviation University provided students with immersive training, job shadowing, career talks, and field visits to aviation facilities.
Twenty-eight grade 11 students – half of them girls – participated in the third edition of the STEM School in Ethiopia, an intensive training programme developed by Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing and ThinkYoung to empower Ethiopian youth.
Held over six weeks at Ethiopian Aviation University, the programme provided more than 300 hours of immersive training, combining classroom learning with internship, career talks, and field visits to aviation facilities. The initiative supports young people from all regions of Ethiopia, igniting their interest in higher education and preparing them for future careers in aviation, engineering and technology.
The students learned digital skills such as coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence, while also developing soft skills including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Hosted by Africa’s largest airline, the programme capitalised on Ethiopian Airlines’ operational expertise, offering exclusive access to its cargo, maintenance, repair and overhaul and other facilities for hands-on learning.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew commented: “At Ethiopian Airlines, we believe that beyond equipping young Ethiopians with cutting-edge digital and technical skills, such training helps our youth in inspiring them to dream big and pursue careers in aviation, engineering, and technology. Through our collective endeavour with Boeing and ThinkYoung, witnessing our youth’s passion, creativity, and determination gives us great confidence that the future of Ethiopia and Africa at large is in capable and responsible hands.”
“Through hands-on experience and industry exposure, the programme helps students imagine futures they may not have thought possible,” said Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing managing director for Africa. “Ethiopia is home to one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation hubs, and initiatives like the STEM School help ensure that our future talent is ready to lead the continent forward.”
Participants visited the Culture Development Center at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and the Ethiopia Science Museum, where Boeing has installed a permanent aerospace exhibit, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight simulator, a replica of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, models of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Cupola module of the International Space Station.
Additionally, students took part in sessions with professionals from Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing. A highlight of this year’s programme was the return of 27 alumni from last year’s STEM School, who joined the cohort for a week of knowledge-sharing and peer support.
“This programme serves as a blueprint for advancing STEM education for young people in Ethiopia and beyond,” said Andrea Gerosa, founder of ThinkYoung. “Over the past three years, through hands-on learning, mentoring, and exposure to cutting-edge technology, our STEM School has provided a platform for young innovators and future aviation professionals to dream big and build a better future for themselves and their communities. We’re excited to see what they’ll achieve next!”
For students like Rebiyat Abdellah, who is 17 years old, the programme has opened new horizons: “Standing inside a real aircraft hangar and watching engineers work on jets made me feel like I was part of something big. It connected everything we are learning to the real world.”
Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing and ThinkYoung have delivered the STEM School annually since 2023. The programme has been held in close coordination with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, ensuring transparent selection of students and alignment with national priorities in science and technology education.
This initiative demonstrates how collaboration between industry leaders and education partners can create meaningful opportunities for young people in Ethiopia. By providing access to skills, mentorship, and first-hand exposure, the STEM School is shaping a new generation of aviation professionals who are ready to take flight into the future.
