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 6.5+ million students through experiential hands-on learning opportunities.
Years Championing STEM Education
Million+ Students Inspired
Challenger Learning Centers
Celebrating Our 40th Anniversary
2026 marks 40 years since our founding. Throughout the year, Challenger Center and our network of Challenger Learning Centers will honor the legacy of the Challenger Seven while celebrating four decades of inspiring millions of students through immersive, hands-on STEM learning experiences.
Stay tuned for national events, new educational resources, and national recognitions.
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.
Jolie Pelds
Director of STEM Innovation, Science Center of Iowa
I remember how proud I felt pulling on the blue flight suit before each mission I led. ...it showed me the incredible power of immersive learning.
I remember how proud I felt pulling on the blue flight suit before each mission I led. ...it showed me the incredible power of immersive learning.
I remember how proud I felt pulling on the blue flight suit before each mission I led. ...it showed me the incredible power of immersive learning.
... read more
Meet Jolie
Kam Yee
Deputy Director, Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium
STEM skills are critical thinking. Being okay with trial and error. Teamwork. Communication.
STEM skills are critical thinking. Being okay with trial and error. Teamwork. Communication.
STEM skills are critical thinking. Being okay with trial and error. Teamwork. Communication.
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Meet Kam
Nina Arcot
Manufacturing Systems Engineer, Northrop Grumman
No matter where you are, you can be a mentor to someone.
No matter where you are, you can be a mentor to someone.
No matter where you are, you can be a mentor to someone.
... read more
Meet Nina
Follow Our Story
Read our latest news, stories, and announcements.
Blogs
Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region Named Arthur C. Clarke Innovation Award Winner
Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region Named Arthur C. Clarke Innovation Award Winner
Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region Named Arthur C. Clarke Innovation Award Winner
...
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