Our Mission: Inspire the Next Generation
Looking to the
Future While
Honoring Our Legacy
The Space Shuttle Challenger crew was dedicated to a mission inspired by education. In 1986, the families of the crew established Challenger Center as a way to honor their loved ones while keeping their educational mission alive. Since then, our STEM programs have inspired and engaged 6+ million students through experiential hands-on learning opportunities.
Years Championing STEM Education
Million+ Students Inspired
Challenger Learning Centers
Together, we can awaken a passion for STEM in the next generation of pioneers and innovators.
Empower Every Student
Help us continue the educational mission of the Challenger STS-51L crew and ignite students’ potential in STEM.
Alumni Stories
When a student discovers the possibilities of STEM, it opens their world to a lifelong love of learning and opportunities.
Chris Dobbins
Flight Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
Challenger Learning Center of Woodstock
My experience at Challenger Learning Center of Woodstock was life-changing. It cemented my dream to work in NASA’s Mission Control and be a part of making human space exploration happen.
My experience at Challenger Learning Center of Woodstock was life-changing. It cemented my dream to work in NASA’s Mission Control and be a part of making human space exploration happen.
My experience at Challenger Learning Center of Woodstock was life-changing. It cemented my dream to work in NASA’s Mission Control and be a part of making human space exploration happen.
... read more
Meet Chris
Ethan Holand
Robotics Engineering Graduate Intern, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
Challenger Learning Center in New York
The [Challenger Learning] Center’s programs and initial exposure to engineering and robotics set me on the path of exploration and shaped my passion for STEM.
The [Challenger Learning] Center’s programs and initial exposure to engineering and robotics set me on the path of exploration and shaped my passion for STEM.
The [Challenger Learning] Center’s programs and initial exposure to engineering and robotics set me on the path of exploration and shaped my passion for STEM.
... read more
Meet Ethan
France Jackson
User Experience Researcher, Intel Corporation
Challenger Learning Center of Richland County School District One
Participating in camp at my Challenger Learning Center played a major role in my decision to become an engineer. I'm not sure I'd be an engineer if it were not for these hands-on experiences.
Participating in camp at my Challenger Learning Center played a major role in my decision to become an engineer. I'm not sure I'd be an engineer if it were not for these hands-on experiences.
Participating in camp at my Challenger Learning Center played a major role in my decision to become an engineer. I'm not sure I'd be an engineer if it were not for these hands-on experiences.
... read more
Meet France
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Press Releases
Former NASA Astronaut Named Chair-Elect as Challenger Center Welcomes Five New Board Members
Former NASA Astronaut Named Chair-Elect as Challenger Center Welcomes Five New Board Members
Former NASA Astronaut Named Chair-Elect as Challenger Center Welcomes Five New Board Members
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Challenger Learning Center Summer Camps
Challenger Learning Centers across the country welcome students every year with their camp offerings. Check out what’s in store for Summer 2025 now!