AeroSTEM

iExplore Foundation - AeroSTEM

AeroSTEM

IEEE Women in AeroSTEM Experiential Program

The IEEE Women in AeroSTEM Experiential Program for Pre-University Students is a transformative initiative that empowers young underprivileged girls from Tamil Nadu, India, to dream beyond boundaries and explore exciting careers in Aeronautics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Generously funded by IEEE TryEngineering, this 11-day program combined experiential learning, mentoring, and exposure to real-world innovation to help students discover their potential in science and engineering. Conducted in collaboration with SES Matriculation Higher Secondary School, iExplore Foundation for Sustainable Development, Rotary Club of Coimbatore West, and IEEE KPRIET Student Branch, the initiative created a meaningful learning ecosystem for students and teachers alike.

Program Overview

Over the course of 11 days, 50 young girls and 5 teachers from SES Matriculation School, guided by 30 IEEE volunteers, embarked on an incredible journey of learning, curiosity, and empowerment.
The program blended:

  • Experiential Bootcamps – Hands-on sessions introducing participants to the fundamentals of aeromodelling, electronics, and STEM concepts.

  • Design Thinking Workshops – Students learned to empathize, ideate, prototype, and develop proof-of-concept solutions for real-world societal challenges.

  • Mentorship Sessions – IEEE mentors guided students on creativity, problem-solving, and the application of engineering in daily life.

  • Exposure Visit – A guided visit to a technological university helped students experience a real academic and research environment.

  • STEM Challenge & Valedictory – On the final day, participants showcased their innovations before an expert panel, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and confidence.

Program Impact

The AeroSTEM program was more than an educational experience, it was a lifeline of empowerment, inspiring young girls to soar to new heights in science and innovation.

  • 50 students inspired to pursue STEM education

  • 5 teachers trained as STEM facilitators

  • 30 IEEE volunteers engaged in mentoring and outreach

  • 1 school community transformed through innovation and exposure

Through this program, young minds not only learned the mechanics of flight and engineering but also discovered their own ability to think critically, innovate boldly, and dream ambitiously.

Inspiring the Future of Women in STEM

This initiative stands as a testament to what collaboration and compassion can achieve,  when education meets opportunity, transformation follows. By nurturing curiosity and confidence, the IEEE Women in AeroSTEM Program is shaping a generation of future scientists, engineers, and innovators who will lead the way toward a more inclusive and technologically advanced world.

Watch the Journey: