HughesNet Expands 4-H STEM Lab Projects for Kids

In celebration of National Engineers Week, STEM Lab now offers more free, online activities to inspire future engineers.

News provided by

Hughes Network Systems, LLC

Feb 19, 2019, 08:00 ET

GERMANTOWN, Md., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of National Engineers Week February 17 - 23, 2019, America's No. 1 satellite Internet service HughesNet® and National 4-H Council announce the availability of two new hands-on projects as part of their popular 4-H STEM Lab. STEM Lab is a free, online resource designed to spark kids' interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2026 the economy will require nearly 140,000 new engineering jobs to be filled in the U.S. To help meet the current and projected demand for graduates in STEM careers, HughesNet and 4-H are working together to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders through STEM Lab's hands-on, fun projects for youth ages 4 to 16. Since its launch in May of 2018, STEM Lab has generated more than 60,000 page views and thousands of activity downloads.

The new projects, "Building Bridges" and "Parachute Away," teach principals of physics, civil and mechanical engineering and are designed to help youth become excited about STEM and engineering careers. "Building Bridges," teaches children about bridge design, construction and the mechanics at work as they build their own bridges. "Parachute Away," brings physics to life, showing kids how air resistance affects the speed of falling objects and how to construct a safe delivery system for fragile cargo. As with prior activities, they come with easy-to-follow instructions; explanations of foundational STEM concepts; discussion questions and supply lists (usually basic household ítems).

"Through our sponsorship of 4-H, we're making STEM education accessible to all kids, no matter where they live," said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes. "Hughes employs some of the world's most talented engineers, creating advanced satellite communications and networking technologies. We are proud to celebrate National Engineers Week with the launch of two new projects, helping to inspire kids to become the next generation of engineers and scientists who will shape our future."

"4-H has been inspiring future engineers for over 100 years. We're excited to celebrate National Engineers Week by helping more youth learn about the wonders of engineering through the 4-H STEM Lab," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "4-H youth, compared to their peers, are two times more likely to pursue STEM careers. Through STEM Lab we are ensuring that more kids have access to the hands-on STEM learning they need to explore future career pathways in engineering."

To learn more about STEM Lab and to dive into STEM activities, visit 4-H.org/STEMLab.

Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, National Engineers Week is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about engineering careers among the nation's future workforce.

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in broadband satellite technology and services for home and office. Its flagship high-speed satellite Internet service is HughesNet®, the world's largest satellite network with over 1.3 million residential and business customers across North and South America. For large enterprises and governments, the company's HughesON™ managed network services provide complete connectivity solutions employing an optimized mix of satellite and terrestrial technologies. The JUPITER™ System is the world's most widely deployed High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) platform, operating on more than 20 satellites by leading service providers, delivering a wide range of broadband enterprise, mobility and cellular backhaul applications. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 7 million terminals of all types to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share, and its technology is powering broadband services to aircraft around the world.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com and follow @HughesConnects on Twitter.

About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its

Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments. For more information, visit www.echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.

About 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC