İstanbul Gelişim University continues to draw attention through its support for social responsibility projects that make science accessible to all segments of society, support equal opportunities in education, and help children look toward the future with hope. In line with its vision of converting its academic expertise, technological infrastructure, and qualified human resources into public benefit, the university prioritizes initiatives aimed at introducing children to science and technology from an early age. One of the latest examples of this approach is the project titled "From the Steppe to the Sky: An Aviation Application for Village Children," led by Asst. Prof. Fatih Kılıç from the Aviation Management (English) Department of İstanbul Gelişim University's Faculty of Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences (FEASS). The project was selected for support under the TÜBİTAK 4009 – Support Program for Village Schools, following scientific evaluations.
Village Children Will Encounter Aviation and Science
The TÜBİTAK 4009 Program, opened to applications for the first time this year, aims to bring project-based work in science, technology, and education together with students at village schools and village residents. The program aims to increase science and technology awareness, strengthen science literacy, and make scientific concepts understandable through interactive applications.The "From the Steppe to the Sky" project is planned to be implemented from September 22–24, 2026 at Şehit Ayhan Keleş Primary and Middle School in Kurancılı Town, Kaman district of Kırşehir. Through the project, students at the village school will have the opportunity to closely encounter the field of aviation, to learn basic scientific concepts through hands-on experience, and to dream new dreams for the future.
Technical and Educational Support from İstanbul Gelişim University
İstanbul Gelişim University is making important contributions to the project not only through its academic output but also through the support mechanisms that ensure this output translates into societal benefit.In this context, İstanbul Gelişim University's Technology Transfer Office (TTO) will provide the project with:
• 1 DVR (Drone Racing FPV) Flight Simulator
• 2 instructors (1 faculty member and 1 engineer)
• 2 guide staff drawn from undergraduate students
In this way, students will have the opportunity to experience aviation technologies through simulation-supported applications, going beyond theoretical knowledge. At the same time, university students' active involvement in the field with a spirit of social responsibility will strengthen intergenerational knowledge sharing.
From a Small Curiosity to Big Dreams
İstanbul Gelişim University believes that children have the right to encounter science regardless of the geography they live in. Increasing access to scientific activities for students living in rural areas in particular is of great importance for them to discover their potential and to be able to become the engineers, pilots, researchers, and scientists of the future.The "From the Steppe to the Sky" project aims precisely at this point — to bring the curiosity children feel about the sky together with knowledge and open new horizons. Believing that a small curiosity can transform into big dreams, İstanbul Gelişim University sees the ability to touch the excitement in children's eyes and to inspire their future as one of the most precious social responsibilities.
This meaningful project — which connects science with society, supports equal opportunities, and gives wings to children's dreams — stands out as a strong reflection of İstanbul Gelişim University's approach focused on accessibility and societal contribution in education.
