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| Christopher Mertens is a junior at Palm Harbor University High School. He is one of 11 Florida students selected for the program, and one of 428 students from 31 countries and 31 U.S. states who will be attending the 2008 Presidential Classroom program from March 2-8. |
Christopher Mertens, a Safety Harbor resident and junior at Palm Harbor University High School, is one of 11 Florida students selected for a scholarship to attend the Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom program March 2-8 in Washington, D.C.
Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 428 students from 31 countries and 31 U.S. states to attend. The scholarships offer this globally diverse group of students the opportunity to learn first hand about the interconnection between science, technology and public policy. Students will meet with elected officials, business leaders and government appointees to engage in thought-provoking discussions on current issues of global concern.
“I have always been interested in the engineering field, and in particular, the field of biomedical engineering. The potential improvements to the nation’s health as a whole from this discipline are limitless, and I am eager to observe first hand the political process that can implement the latest technologies and processes that could have such a profound impact on everyday life,” Mertens said.
During the week-long program students get to observe the U.S. Congress in action and visit historic sites including the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of State and Arlington National Cemetery. The Honeywell Scholars will also visit the Honeywell Technology Experience on Capitol Hill, a state-of-the-art exhibition where guests are able to learn about many of Honeywell’s industry-leading technologies first hand. Students also will attend a special reception and presentation by Commander Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a space shuttle, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and visit the National Academy of Sciences, Honeywell facilities at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Library of Congress and Walter Reed Institute of Research.
“What better way to get the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math than to put them in touch with inspirational leaders in those fields,” said Tom Buckmaster, president, Honeywell Hometown Solutions. “The Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom program provides students with an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience to foster their passion for learning and advancement.”
Honeywell awards the scholarships after a rigorous application and review process based on academic achievement and community involvement. Financial contributions from Honeywell employees help fund the scholarships, which include tuition for the week-long program, meals, accommodations and program materials. Since 2005, including this year’s class, 820 students from 31 countries and 31 states have graduated from the program.
“Presidential Classroom’s partnership with Honeywell offers hundreds of students from around the world the opportunity to connect with scientists, scholars and policymakers who share their expertise and inspire the rising generation of leaders,” said Elizabeth Sherman, executive director of Presidential Classroom “They leave with a greater understanding of the intersection of science, technology and public policy and how solutions to today’s problems can be addressed.”
The Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom program is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative which focuses on four issues of vital importance: Family Safety & Security; Housing & Shelter; Science & Math Education; and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. Honeywell’s science and math education programs have already reached more than 160,000 students and teachers in 31 countries and 48 U.S. states.
Honeywell has been one of the leading high-tech employers in Pinellas County for more than 50 years. It has a 70-acre campus mid-county which has been heavily involved in the space industry, including the Shuttle program.
Honeywell International is a $36 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, NJ, Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. For additional information, visit www.honeywell.com.
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