Challenger title
Login Contact UsSearch Store
about masthead
continue the mission donate today
Learning Center Locator
Find a Challenger Center program near you
mission control

phone icon(703) 683-9740

fax icon(703) 683-7546

email iconinfo@challenger.org


Challenger Center
1250 North Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Inspiring. Exploring. Learning. It's our Mission

Challenger Center for Space Science Education uses students’ natural enthusiasm for space to create innovative learning experiences for imaginative young minds. By transforming the way teachers teach and students learn, Challenger Center is creating a new generation of explorers.

A caring teacher can make a real difference in a child's life. So Challenger Center is similar to that. It's something I take pride in because it is growing, becoming independent, just as you want a child to grow up and move on. And even if we've reached only one child, or helped one teacher work with a classroom of youngsters to motivate them, then we've had a great impact.

June Scobee Rodgers

Founding Director, Challenger Center

arrowChallenger Center for Space Science Education is an international, not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) education organization that was founded by the families of the astronauts lost during the last flight of the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986.

Through Challenger Center's programs and its international network of Challenger Learning Centers, the diversity, spirit, and commitment to education that exemplified the Challenger 51-L mission continues to make an impact on students, teachers, and families today.

Our Mission

Using space exploration as a theme, Challenger Center creates positive learning experiences that raise students’ expectations of success; foster a long-term interest in mathematics, science, and technology; and motivate them to pursue careers in these fields.

Our Network

As new advances in science and technology occur at an ever more accelerated pace, the need for excellence in education has never been more essential. Perhaps that's one reason why so many communities throughout the world are actively engaged in developing a local Challenger Learning Center. Find out how our organization's solutions to encourage students to pursue further study in mathematics, science, and technology can make a difference in your hometown.

Organization History

In the aftermath of the Challenger accident, the 51-L crew's families came together, still grieving from loss, but firmly committed to the belief that they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew's educational mission. Read more about the inspirational story of how Challenger Center for Space Science Education was created.

Leadership/Staff

Introduce yourselves to the management staff of Challenger Center, as well as the distinguished professionals who comprise our Board of Directors.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Media

As Challenger Center approaches its 20th Anniversary, the organization that always looks to the future can now look back and reflect on its rich history of accomplishments.
Found within this section are historical artifacts that take you back to the organization's beginnings, as well as newsletters and news stories that hint at what is yet to come.