JET to Space competition engages vulnerable youngsters in the UK’s first ever satellite launch 

9 May 2022 | News

A young girl wearing a VR headset

Mon 9th May 2022: The Jon Egging Trust today launches a national schools’ competition – JET to Space – to help engage vulnerable youngsters in the UK’s first ever satellite launch which takes place in Cornwall this summer.    

JET to Space is aimed at young people aged 11-13 (Yrs 7 & 8) who are struggling to thrive at school due to low confidence or personal challenge. Five winning schools from across the country will be invited to take five students each to a four-day space camp in Cornwall this July.  

Jon Egging Trust CEO, Dr Emma Egging, says the camp has a dual aim: “We recognise that the historic satellite launch is an exciting and important national event which has the potential to encourage  young people from across the UK to dream big,” says Emma. “We want to ensure that the inspirational ripple effect from the launch reaches the areas of the country where employment opportunities may be lacking, and where families may face hardship and adversity. For this reason, the demographic of schools who enter JET to Space will form part of our judging criteria. In addition, we specialise in using STEM environments to build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills in our  students. We know these skills have a hugely positive impact on aspiration and future employment prospects, so supporting our winning students to build these vital workplace competencies will also form a key focus of the camp.” 

The Jon Egging Trust says it has worked hard to curate a exceptional itinerary for the camp, with highlights including a VIP tour of Spaceport Cornwall, a robotics and rocket propulsion challenge at RAF St Mawgan, and a chance to complete the ‘Cornish Challenge’; a surf and coasteering adventure which explores Cornwall’s extraordinary marine conservation areas. In addition, all schools who enter JET to Space will be invited to take part in a virtual STEM seminar in September, hosted by many of the brains behind the satellite launch. 

To enter JET to Space, teachers must explain why their students deserve to win the competition, and upload a #JETtoSpace message from their class. The competition is supported by Spaceport Cornwall, RAF St Mawgan, Virgin Unite and Virgin Orbit, and closes on 8th June 2022. 

For more info, please visit: https://www.joneggingtrust.org.uk/jettospace/  

ENDS 

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