About Us

Carol O’Leary
Center Director and Lead Flight Director
Challenger Learning Center of Colorado Springs

How many years have you been with the Challenger Learning Center?

Since its inception in 2002.

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Why did you decide to work at a Challenger Learning Center? What was it about the organization’s mission that appealed to you? And, in retrospect, how has the experience been compared with your initial expectations?

I first saw the Challenger Learning Center at Howard B. Owens Science Center (Lanham, Maryland) when it opened as the second Learning Center site. I had taught life science topics there, but when I first observed a space mission simulation, I was smitten instantly as I watched what I dubbed a "mini career day with authentic applications of mathematics, science, and technology in a fascinating and engaging workplace of the future".

I moved to Rochester , New York, and worked with the community to build a Challenger Learning Center there. When I moved to Colorado Springs, there were groups of folks already working to build a Learning Center here. I joined forces with them.

Why? This is still the best teaching tool I have encountered to recruit and retain young people in mathematics, science, and technology—to affirm and build their self-esteem. And it is SO fun! Professionally, I am partnered with some of the best educators in the country, and I grow from those relationships.

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The founding family members of Challenger Center refer to Challenger Learning Centers as living memorials to the 51-L crew. What does it mean to you when you hear that you are "continuing their mission?"

I am proud to be part of the mission to reach students and others in the community using the inspiration of space and the Challenger astronauts. I hope that the experience will expand their understanding of the world around them and of space beyond them. I feel connected to the space program. It’s probably the only way I will ever fly a mission!

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How has your Challenger Learning Center changed your community—especially in its commitment to education?

Colorado Springs (and the Front Range of Colorado) is heavily invested in space programs (civil, commercial, and national defense). When we employ space mission simulations to attract students into mathematics, science, and technology careers, we are filling the pipeline for very lucrative and exciting careers right here in our community. Industry and others are beginning to understand that value.

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What was your most memorable Challenger Learning Center experience?

For students, it is to see their faces light up and say, "I did it. I am not too stupid. I get it!" To see learning-challenged students enjoy academics because we finally give them what they need to succeed. Fortunately this happens almost every mission, twice a day!

For me, personally, it was meeting the family members—especially June Scobee Rodgers. I was both encouraged and inspired by their brave and innovative response to the tragedy.

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What do you remember most about the Challenger mission and its crew?

A teacher was going into space so maybe I could to—or at least my students could.

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If someone were to ask you about the value of a Challenger Learning Center program, how would you respond?

Applied mathematics, science, and technology, integrated with all content areas and interwoven with workplace competencies in a setting that is engaging, realistic, challenging, and FUN! What better tool can you put in the hands of educators that benefits every student in the classroom? What better way do we give young minds a taste of their possible future careers, and why they need to work hard in school?

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