For the third year in a row, in a special giving-back initiative, Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. sponsored two visually impaired students to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS). The SCIVIS camp was held from October 6-10, 2024, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It was a five-day/night educational adventure for those visually impaired students who had the opportunity to attend.
Throughout the week, students were immersed in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s actual astronaut program. They learned about space hardware, experienced space flight simulations such as a 1/6th Gravity Chair and a multi-axis trainer, assembled and launched rockets, conducted a spaceflight mission and performed an underwater scuba build—all while learning about aerospace career opportunities. Students also participated in daily contests like racing to climb a pamper pole, performing a search and rescue, and competing in the “around the world” challenge. Those in the Advanced Space Academy Program even had the opportunity to speak with NASA employees who have visual impairments and hear about their inspiring careers.
Eschenbach’s student winners this year were Jack J. from Greensboro, NC, who attended the Space Academy program, and Wyatt D. from Burleson, TX, who participated in the Advanced Space Academy program, both of whom successfully completed their space missions. The two scholarship winners not only had their tuition paid in full, but they also received a care package that included an Eschenbach Smartlux® Digital portable video magnifier that they could use at camp and keep for themselves afterward.
Upon completion of the camp, one of the scholarship winners reflected on his incredible experience:
“Thank you so much for this opportunity! It was an amazing experience to go to Space Camp and participate in all the exciting challenges and activities. I learned so much and had so much fun!” – Jack J.
Learn more about the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students at http://www.scivis.org.
