About
Challenger Center is a leading STEM education nonprofit organization that develops and delivers simulation-based STEM programs to students at Challenger Learning Centers and in classrooms.
Our People
We’re on a mission to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators through hands-on STEM education experiences. At the heart of Challenger Center lies our people—staff, champions, Challenger Learning Centers, and partners—who are sparking a passion for learning in students that lasts a lifetime.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Champions
Meet Our Partners
Our Legacy
In the aftermath of the Challenger STS-51L tragedy, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to carrying on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing their education mission. In April 1986, they created Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
The families’ vision was to create a place that would inspire children; where students could conduct experiments, collaborate to solve problems, and immerse themselves in space-like surroundings. Their goal was to spark an interest and joy in STEM. A spark that could change the trajectory of children’s futures.
To date, Challenger Center has reached more than 6 million students globally and continues to inspire hundreds of thousands of students every year.
Our Mission
Engage students and teachers in dynamic, hands-on exploration and discovery opportunities that strengthen knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), inspire students to pursue careers in these fields, and provide an outlet to learn and apply important life skills.
Our Vision
Build a scientifically literate public and shape our future leaders to help improve quality of life across the globe—not just through pragmatic teaching, but also by the power of vision, inspiration, and innovation.
Recognitions
We are honored to be recognized for our efforts.
Financials
2024 Impact Report & 990
2023 Impact Report & 990
2022 Annual Report & 990
2021 Annual Report & 990
2020 Annual Report & 990
2019 Annual Report & 990
In 2024, Challenger Center’s revenue was $6.5 million. Eighty-eight percent of our revenue went directly to the development and delivery of our impactful STEM education programs around the world. This includes the installation of new Mission Control simulators at Challenger Learning Centers in Hammond, IN and Paducah, KY, and the start of a complete renovation of Challenger Learning Center of Maine's 20-year-old simulator. It also includes technology and infrastructure upgrades in Paramus, NJ, Kapolei, HI, and San Antonio, TX, and the development of a new virtual program, Observation Earth.
We are grateful to our government, corporate, and foundation partners, as well as all the individuals that contributed in 2024. These organizations and people support us in many ways, including monetary gifts and in-kind contributions of their expertise and resources. It is your support that enabled us to ignite the potential in students in 2024 and will help us to ignite the potential in millions more in future years – thank you.