CHALLENGER CENTER FOR SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators. But too many lose interest in crucial subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math at an early age. This limits their opportunities in life and our country’s economic competitiveness and scientific leadership. To succeed in a rapidly changing world, students need exposure to a variety of fields, chances to work with their fellow students in real-world scenarios, and experiences that open their eyes to new possibilities for the future. For over 34 years, Challenger Center has given kids the chance to explore those possibilities through its innovative programming to promote STEM education.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
STEM Education
Challenger Center and its global network of Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork.
Where we work
External reviews
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Teacher rating of student engagement for Aquatic Investigators
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
STEM Education
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Teachers rated student engagement with Aquatic Investigators mission using a 5 point Likert scale, with 5 being “very engaged.” 2020 results include teacher engagement with both AQ and Dirt Decoders.
Average number of students served at each Challenger Learning Center per school year
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
STEM Education
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Through our brick-and-mortar Challenger Learning Centers and in-classroom programming, students of all backgrounds embark on simulated missions to the surface of Mars or the depths of the ocean – all without ever leaving the room. During these interactive adventures, they work together to run hands-on experiments and solve tough problems. Every student has a role to play in making the mission a success, building confidence in their own abilities and demonstrating the power of teamwork.
In a matter of hours, these missions ignite the potential within each student, opening their eyes to new skills and ideas that can lead to success in their careers and lives – and spark a passion for learning that will last a lifetime.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Challenger Center missions and Classroom Adventures require teams of students to work together, problem solve, and strategically think, to successfully complete the mission. Students study science, math, and engineering concepts while working with technology.
The goal of our simulations is to:
• Connect age-appropriate science to real-world applications;
• Introduce real STEM roles (e.g., meteorologist, engineer, navigator); and
• Enable students to practice 21st Century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, communication.
Our Centers also provide additional programming for girls, at-risk youth, and specialty classes and clubs such as robotics, aviation, rocketry and more.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Challenger Learning Centers in 26 states and 3 international locations provide STEM education programs through a simulated learning environment that looks and feels like the inside of the International Space Station and NASA Mission Control. These Centers provide a full-immersion experience where students can step inside and become astronauts, engineers, communication directors, scientists, and medical experts for the day.
We are currently developing Classroom Adventures, a series of classroom-based missions that will allow us to reach students in any classroom around the world. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Challenger Center a $976,719 grant to develop and pilot two new Classroom Adventures, Dirt Decoders (erosion and weathering) and Nature Rangers (plant structures and life cycles). The grant also provides funding to pilot a new version of the first Adventure created, Aquatic Investigators (ocean science). Aquatic Investigators was previously created under an i3 grant from the Department of Education.
Delivered by teachers, Classroom Adventures bring Challenger Center's unique simulation experience to students in their classroom. The online program's flexible design allows for easy implementation by classroom teachers. In addition to a computer-based simulation, each Adventure include an engineering challenge and a writing activity.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
For over 35 years, Challenger Center's networks have grown to include 35 Learning Centers across the globe. We have served more than 6 million students and strive to strengthen our programs for students and professional development of educators in STEM fields every year.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
CHALLENGER CENTER FOR SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION
Board of directorsas of 03/24/2023
Warren Boley
Boley Tool & Machine Works; Warton Investments
Charles Resnik
UMD
Lance Bush
Challenger Center
Warren M. Boley Jr.
Boley Tool and Machine
Leslee Gilbert
Van Scoyoc Associates
Josh Izenberg
Izenberg PLLC.
Robyn S. Kravit
Tethys Research
Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger
Geosyntec Consultants
Darryl Britt
Apprio
Diane Flynn
Beinecke Scholarship Program
Ron Bush
Challenger Learning Center, Colorado Springs
Mike Reeser
Texas State Technical College System
June Scobee Rodgers
Robert Curbeam
Maxar Technologies
Michelynn Woodard
Texas Women’s Foundation
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes