Querétaro inaugurates Space Academy to promote young talent

The Aeronautical University in Querétaro (UNAQ) hosted the inauguration of the Space Academy, a program that aims to bring young people closer to the aerospace industry and strengthen their skills in science and technology.

In the days leading up to the inauguration, the first camp of this initiative—one of four scheduled in the country—was held with the participation of 60 high school students (38 women and 22 men) from the municipalities of Corregidora, El Marqués, Ezequiel Montes, and Querétaro. Nationwide, 240 participants were selected; of these, 32 will travel to NASA, according to the state government.

The Space Academy is promoted by the U.S. Embassy and Fundación Televisa through their Cuantrix and Tecnolochicas programs.

During the launch, Governor Mauricio Kuri González highlighted that this space will allow young people to acquire knowledge about space exploration, science, and technology. He also noted that Querétaro is home to 80 specialized companies and research centers, positioning it as one of the most important hubs for the aerospace industry in Latin America.

As part of the event, 211 students participating in the Contigo Beca Embajadores Bicentenario 2023-2024 program were also honored. They will travel to five universities and research centers in the United States to study areas such as science, technology, engineering, health, sustainability, leadership, and innovation.

According to the Querétaro Aerocluster, the entity participates in various branches of the industry, from parts manufacturing to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. In addition, 22% of its workforce holds engineering or leadership positions, and women represent 27% of the specialized talent.