From Tragedy... On January 28, 1986, the Challenger crew boarded their

shuttle for the first Teacher in Space mission.

At 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off.

Seventy-three (73) seconds into flight, at an altitude of 48,000 feet, the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded.

…To Triumph The families of the Challenger crew chose to memorialize

their loved ones with a living tribute.

Together, they created Challenger Center for Space Science Education to continue the education mission of the heroic crew.

Challenger Center’s Partner in Perpetuity

“On that day, we lost the beloved crew, but not their desire to help teach a nation of children

waiting and watching with eager anticipation.”

- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers Founding Chair of Challenger Center,

Widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee

Our Mission Engage students and teachers in dynamic,

hands-on exploration and discovery

opportunities that strengthen knowledge in

science, technology, engineering, and

mathematics (STEM), inspire students to

pursue careers in these fields, and provide an

outlet to learn and apply important life skills.

Why STEM Education?

The majority of the fastest growing occupations require significant math or science preparation

to successfully compete for a job.

STEM jobs are projected to grow at a fast pace relative to other occupations

Kelly Services – July 2012

Today, a lack of skills in STEM subject areas is said to be the reasoning for many of the

nation’s vacant positions.

Change the Equation Vital Signs Report, “STEM Help Wanted”

In the past three years, across the STEM fields, job postings outnumbered unemployed people

by almost two to one.

We’re Losing Our Competitive Edge

In science, U.S. eighth graders are outperformed by eighth grade students in eight countries.

In math, U.S. eighth graders were outperformed by their peers in 14 countries.

STEM Education, An Independent Supplement from MediaPlanet to the Washington Post, June 2012

“STEM Perceptions: Student & Parent Survey;” Harris Interactive online survey of 500 STEM college students and 854 parents of K-12 students; May 2011.

The Importance of Reaching Our Students Early On

We must prepare today’s students for an increasingly competitive workforce so they can

become our next generation of leaders and innovators.

This is at the root of Challenger Center’s work.

Challenger Center is committed to helping students gain a deeper understanding of

STEM subject areas.

Our Challenger Learning Centers give students the chance to take part in exciting, simulated

space-mission adventures.

The Centers are located in schools, colleges and universities, in museums and science

centers, or as stand alone facilities.

Each one features a computerized simulator with a mission control room patterned after

the NASA Johnson Space Center...

…and an orbiting space station ready for exploration.

The missions are designed with the

student and educator in mind.

The simulated environment is created

from computer technology, real science

data, hands-on activities, and STEM-related

content.

Students are transported throughout the Solar System where they may rendezvous with a comet

or voyage to the Moon or Mars.

Every student takes on a specific role with

tasks and responsibilities.

The setting promotes cooperative learning and creative problem solving and decision

making.

It reinforces and brings relevance to concepts

taught in their classroom.

Many Challenger Learning Center students have gone on to pursue careers in STEM fields.

“I want to be able to help kids experience the wonders of space and have just as much fun as I did when I went to the Challenger Learning Center, an experience that I know influenced my career decision and

sparked my passion for space.” - Brianna, pursuing degree in physics and astronomy

Where Are They Now…

“It was a blessing in my life; it literally shaped who I am and the course I took. Before, [space] may have just turned into a hobby for me, but

the experience I had at the Center helped me find my career.” - Meg, Aerospace Engineer based at NASA Goddard

“My Challenger Center experience set me on a course that landed me as a Mission Control Operator here at Johnson Space Center in Houston.”

– Tess, Johnson Space Center

Where Are They Now…

“I can say, my final decision came down to doing it for the 5th grade boy [himself] who sat behind that NAV console in the Challenger Learning

Center, and the choice became obvious. I am now a Space Shuttle Robotics Flight Controller in Mission Control here at NASA in Houston.” - Perry, reflecting on his career decision among two job offers at NASA where he had to decide between being an astronaut trainer or a flight

controller in mission control.

The impact is real. The need is evident.

The mission continues.

www.challenger.org

@challengerctr @challengerctr