Space Foundation and Raytheon Technologies Partner to Expand STEM Education Programs
Space Foundation and Raytheon Technologies Partner to Expand STEM Education Programs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — April 13, 2023 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem has received a $50,000 grant from Raytheon Technologies to expand two high-priority youth STEM education programs in Colorado: Discover the Universe Field Trip ScholarTrips and Young Professional Space Leaders, and the Next Generation Leadership Exchange. The grant will enable Space Foundation to serve nearly 2,000 students, teachers and young professionals through these programs this year.
Space Foundation Discovery Center, the region’s first and only dedicated space, science and technology center that serves grades K-12, uses space principles combined with immersive experiences, such as hands-on activities and unique learning labs, to put students in real-world scenarios using the latest technology. Each ScholarTrip covers admission fees and a subsidy for bus transportation, one of the biggest obstacles teachers face in getting their students out of the classroom and into engaging field trip experiences. ScholarTrips will target Title 1 schools in Colorado and schools located in three Colorado school districts serving local military families.
Space Foundation’s New Generation program fosters meaningful, long-term peer relationships between young space professionals and access to top space leaders for individual career development and mentorship. This grant will enable Space Foundation to host three Leadership Exchange programs in 2023 that bring together young professionals and high school students from underserved communities. The young professionals make a lasting impact on the students by providing their unique leadership perspective and vision for the future. Each Leadership Exchange program includes a keynote speaker, hands-on STEM activities, small group mentoring sessions and student networking.
Commenting on the partnership, Space Foundation Senior Vice President of Center of Education and Innovation Dr. John West said, “Every mission begins in the classroom and that is where students can truly explore their full potential. Because of Raytheon Technologies’ support, Space Foundation is able to expand its reach and impact through education.”
Space Foundation and Raytheon Technologies have worked together to embolden the next generation of STEM talent in Colorado since 2014 The organizations announced an expanded partnership in 2022 as part of Raytheon Technologies’ Connect Up initiative, which is a 10-year, $500 million corporate social responsibility initiative to drive transformative, generational impact on critical societal challenges.
“Research shows that exposing children to STEM education in elementary school increases their likelihood in pursuing STEM-related careers,” said Dave Broadbent, president of Space & C2 at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. “Raytheon Technologies is committed to helping build a diverse STEM workforce – and that begins by offering inclusive STEM-focused educational programs like Space Foundation’s New Generation program.”
About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
About Center for Innovation and Education
Center for Innovation and Education is a lifelong learning provider for the global space ecosystem, offering workforce development and economic opportunity via Space Commerce Institute and Space Foundation Discovery Center. Serving pre-K-12 and university students, teachers, entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals, programs and resources are delivered in person or online around the globe. Through its Workforce Development Roadmap of programs and resources, Center for Innovation and Education enhances the outlook and opportunities for careers, jobs and business ventures. To learn more about Center for Innovation and Education, visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie, and Space Foundation Discovery Center, visit www.discoverspace.org.
About Space FoundationÂ
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Tags: Space Foundation, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, STEM, Space Foundation Discovery Center, science museum, Center for Innovation and Education, space community, space ecosystem, space innovation, space exploration, space to Earth industries, space education, career development, lifelong learning
Media Contacts:
Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
rcooper@spacefoundation.org
Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
SpaceFoundation@techmarket.com