Challenger Center

A common barrier to STEM careers isn't ability, but misinformation. Too many people talk themselves out of pursuing STEM because they believe they don't have the right skillset, education, or identity.

That's why we're here to set the record straight: if you are interested in STEM, you belong in STEM! 🚀

And it's never too early or too late to spark that interest. 🔗 Explore our STEM education program offerings: https://challenger.org/programs/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

"People told me for months, sometimes jokingly and sometimes seriously, that building a 'space center' in rural Alabama sounded impossible," shared Dr. Farrah Hayes, Executive Director of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. "So when visitors stepped through those doors and saw the planets hanging overhead, the simulator spaces, and the energy inside the Center, they reacted with awe."

🔗 Read more from Farrah on the grand opening of Challenger Center's newest Center in Rainbow City, Alabama: https://challenger.org/news-insights/a-new-home-for-stem-in-northeast-alabama/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

📣 Center Spotlight: Challenger Learning Center, Wheeling, WV

Each of our 30+ Challenger Learning Centers is designed to bring immersive, hands-on STEM education to students in their local communities. In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, we're spotlighting these incredible Centers throughout 2026 🚀 💫

📍 Are you near Wheeling, West Virginia? 🔗 Visit clcwheeling.org to learn more and book a Mission.

🔎 If not, don't worry! Visit challenger.org/Centers to find out which of our Centers is closest to you!

NASA engineer visits Bangor High School to inspire students to explore STEM BANGOR -- Students at Bangor High School received a visit on Thursday from a NASA engineer as part of the challenger learning center of Maine's 40th anniversary initiative.

Congrats, AIAA - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, one of our Challenger-7 Recognition recipients! 🎉

Challenger Center is recognizing AIAA for its leadership in advancing aerospace education. Through its multiple scholarships for high schoolers, mentor-matching program, and outreach efforts to connect interested students with careers in aerospace, AIAA has demonstrated an enduring commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators.

The Challenger-7 Recognition was presented during ASCEND 2026, AIAA’s flagship immersive event focused on accelerating humanity’s off-world future, including advancements in space infrastructure, technology, and policy.

🔗 Read more: https://challenger.org/news-insights/aiaa-receives-challenger-7-recognition/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=40th_anniversary

Today, on his birthday, we remember Challenger Mission Commander Dick Scobee.

As the ISS travels around our planet, astronauts aboard see the sun rise and set 16 times a day. Like these astronauts, Challenger Learning Centers across the country connected to one another through the Follow the Sun experience.

What started as a continuous national mission quickly became a living demonstration of collaboration. And most importantly, it reminded us that exploration has always been a shared journey.

🔗 Read more from Heather Townley, our Director of Network Engagement: https://challenger.org/news-insights/following-the-sun-together/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=40th_anniversary

Launch the Next Era with NASA Engineer Dr. Kenneth Harris II | Challenger Maine — Challenger Learning Center of Maine Join the Challenger Learning Center of Maine for an adults-only evening honoring the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. Hear from NASA engineer Dr. Kenneth Harris II as he shares insights on space exploration, innovation, and inspiring the next generation through STEM education.

In honor of , we're spotlighting just a small fraction of the many Jewish American pioneers whose incredible achievements and innovations have benefited humankind: Judith Resnik, Jonas Salk, Vera Rubin, and Albert A. Michelson.