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Overview • In the aftermath of the Challenger accident, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to the belief that they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Challenger Center for Space Science Education. • The Challenger Learning Center (CLC) will be housed in the STEM building on the HCC SE Felix Fraga Academic Center campus which includes an HISD Middle College High School, an HISD East Early College High School, and Parent Academy. • HCC Students in several programs such as the sciences, engineering, logistics, and education will all have the opportunity to engage in the programming and in interning at the center. • The innovative CLC will be an interactive space science education center where teachers and their students use state-of -the-art technology and simulators to explore space. • The Challenger Center and its global network of Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork. • At the HCC Challenger Learning Center, students ages from Pre-K through adults will engage in space- themed simulation-based experiences led by trained flight directors in a fully immersive Space Station and Mission Control. • Students lead and fly on a variety of simulated space-related missions aligned with STEM curriculum to engage students in real world application of STEM career fields. • Corporate team building experiences will allow for unique professional development experiences for any industry sector. • Our CLC in collaboration with the Mars Project will develop and facilitate academic pathways. The Program establishes collaboration involving NASA, NASA Texas Space Grant Consortium, Houston Community College (HCC), the University of Houston (UH), Rice University, University of Texas Arlington, Texas A&M University, Colorado School of Mines’ Space Resources Program.
