The story behind Beyond The Stars Education
(A Romanian SCIVIS blind student on a pamper pole; Photo credit: Dorina Girbovan)
“I can dream for more, and now I am working hard to accomplish it”—the story of a visually impaired student from Romania.
Imagine a visually impaired youth jumping off a Pamper Pole, experiencing Neutral Buoyancy, or landing a space shuttle on Mars. Beyond the Stars Education provides an incredible opportunity for Romanian visually impaired students to experience what it feels like to be an astronaut for seven days in a life-changing learning adventure.
The idea behind Beyond the Stars Education began in 2016 when I was selected as one of the few science teachers worldwide to participate in the HESA training at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Two years later, I became the HESA International Ambassador through NASA Education for the same program. During a presentation in 2016, I was shown a photo of a student atop a pole, jumping into the air (harnessed, of course) as part of the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS) program. At the end of the presentation, I sought more information about the program and learned that the student was visually impaired. I was astonished, as many sighted individuals might hesitate to attempt such a feat. Additionally, I found out that the program offered full scholarships for international visually impaired students, but none of the recipients were from Romania. This realization stirred mixed emotions in me—I was both impressed by the program's concept and deeply saddened by the lack of opportunities for students in my country. Determined to change that upon my return home, I began searching for Romanian visually impaired students who had a passion for space, a good command of English, and an openness to embracing new opportunities.
The SCIVIS camp offers a unique opportunity for blind and visually impaired students from around the world to engage in space science and math activities, utilizing the latest accessibility tools to enhance their exploration. In 2024, the camp welcomed approximately 200 students from 32 U.S. states and 7 foreign countries, making it the largest gathering of international blind and visually impaired students for an academic purpose. Romania participated in this significant event. During the program, students have the chance to experience SCUBA diving training in a 24-foot tank to understand neutral buoyancy, use a multi-axis trainer, climb on a pamper pole and a climbing wall, simulate landings on Mars and the Moon, learn about space history, and interact with space artifacts and real-life space models, among many other activities.
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(SCIVIS Romanian 2018 team; Photo credit: Dorina Girbovan)
The process of enrolling students in this program was challenging and required significant perseverance. In September 2017, I brought my first generation of SCIVIS Romania students to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. My goal is to help them apply for scholarships provided by the Saint Louis Lighthouse for the Blind, with the hope of bringing more students to the space camp. Obtaining these scholarships and participating in the program is complex and demands considerable funding. The scholarships cover all expenses in the United States, but to qualify, these students must first obtain passports, undergo medical checks (which require translation), prepare notarized documents, visit the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, and pay for visas. All of these necessities require fundraising. The positive impact of this experience is clear. Upon returning from the space camp, parents, teachers, and community members are amazed at the transformation in these students. This visible change encourages them to offer ongoing support. Until this year, I have relied on Romanian friends and organizations who were familiar with the program to assist with funding.
These scholarship funds can only support a maximum of two students per year, covering specifically for the USA portion of their program. This limitation motivated me to create Beyond the Stars Education. In October 2023, I founded this NGO with the mission of promoting space education for visually impaired students. Our goal is to raise funds to provide scholarships enabling these students to participate in space camps, activities, student exchanges, and training programs. Participating in these opportunities involves a powerful and transformative process for the students. They must write essays, obtain medical paperwork, apply for visas, visit the US Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, receive their visas, and ultimately take part in the SCIVIS program, which is incredibly rewarding.
The NGO aims to support visually impaired students in Romania in several ways, in addition to participating in SCIVIS Space Camps. Its latest project, “Stars in Romania,” focuses on improving the well-being of these students. Until recently, many visually impaired students in Romania were enrolled in residential schools, which often resulted in developmental delays due to a lack of resources. This situation has hindered their access to higher education, employment, and the ability to live independently. The primary goal of the project is to enhance the well-being of 150 visually impaired students in Romania by October 30th, 2024. This will be achieved through student exchanges, training, sharing best practices, and providing access to space camp experiences. The second goal is to equip the school with updated resources and to develop a therapeutic playroom to address various developmental challenges and improve the overall well-being of the students.
In the first generation of SCIVIS Romania, one girl initially had limited English skills before discovering this opportunity. However, she became motivated and improved her English to a proficient level. Once she arrived at the camp, she actively participated in all activities, organized groups, spoke in front of her peers and their families, went scuba diving, used the multi-axis trainer, climbed the pamper pole and climbing wall, sang, practiced her English, and assisted those in need, among other things. As a result of her efforts, she was the only one out of 200 students to be awarded The Golden Arrow medal. Additionally, she applied what she learned in the U.S. to pursue an undergraduate degree in Social Work in Romania. She graduated and is now working on her Master’s degree.
(Andreea, SCIVIS Romanian 2018 team; Photo credit: SCIVIS)
In 2022, the SCIVIS Romania team was established with two remarkable girls who worked diligently to meet all the requirements for a scholarship, allowing them to participate in the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. After their return, they delivered presentations about the program and its benefits. They also applied for ERASMUS projects focused on social inclusion, traveled to Greece, and recently, one of them sent me a picture from the EU Parliament in Brussels.
It is truly remarkable what people can achieve when they are empowered. While sending me a picture from the EU Parliament, she said: "In 2022, you showed me that I can aspire to greater things, and now I am working hard to accomplish them."
We are incredibly proud to announce that each year, Romanian students attend the SCIVIS camp. With the support of Beyond The Stars Education, we aim to raise funds and provide scholarships for these students so that they can seize the opportunity to participate in the Advanced Space Academy program.
While this is a challenging task that requires both resources and a network of individuals willing to help, it is certainly achievable.
If you want to help more students achieve their dreams and unlock the potential within them, please contact us at BeyondTheStarsEducation@gmail.com or make a donation to Banca Transilvania, RO06BTRLUSDCRT0675830701, with the SWIFT code BTRLRO22 in Romania.
Your support can empower more visually impaired students from Romania to take part in the SCIVIS program. They believe this opportunity is truly life-changing:
"This is a unique chance for us, and participating in it will have a significant impact on our lives!"
Dorina Girbovan
Founder & CEO Beyond The Stars Education
G100 Romania Country Chair: Space Technology & Aviation
HESA International Ambassador via NASA Education
Space Foundation Teacher Liaison
