Space Foundation and Arcfield Host Space in the Community Event in Fairfax County, Virginia
Space Foundation and Arcfield Host Space in the Community Event in Fairfax County, Virginia
Free STEM-Focused Family Event for the Fairfax Community
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va — Nov. 7, 2025 — Space Foundation’s Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) and Arcfield are proud to partner once again for Space in the Community (SITC), bringing a week of space exploration and STEM fun to Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, from Nov. 17–21, 2025.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Arcfield to bring this weeklong STEM celebration to Fairfax County students, teachers, and families,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of Space Foundation’s Discovery Center. “We hope that astronauts, James Webb Space Telescope projects, and hands-on STEM lessons will inspire students to pursue bold dreams in science and exploration.”
“Arcfield is proud to support Space Foundation and its mission to foster a passion for space among our youth,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of Arcfield. “Events like SITC are critical to cultivating the next generation of innovators and explorers and we are honored to be able to bring this program to our home county.”
Through SITC programming, Space Foundation’s Space Workforce team will visit elementary and middle schools in Fairfax County Public Schools. Teachers will receive space-focused lesson plans and materials for easy curriculum integration. Students will explore the James Webb Space Telescope with hands-on STEM activities and learn about its discoveries. They will also meet Blue Origin astronaut Dr. George C. Nield at their school.
“What an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about space exploration from the astronauts who have been there,” said Dr. Michelle C. Reid, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent. “Learning happens best in community and partnerships with organizations like the Space Foundation are what give FCPS students an advantage that will benefit them long after graduation. A classroom visit from an astronaut today could inspire a Fairfax County student to lead the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians tomorrow.”
This marks the first year Space Foundation and Fairfax County Public Schools have partnered to launch a SITC program for the community. The initiative supports Goal 5 of the district’s Strategic Plan — inspiring students to lead tomorrow’s innovation. The district expects the program to deliver equitable STEM access and opportunity to every student.
Local media are invited to cover SITC programming on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 1:15-3:15 p.m. at North Springfield Elementary School, 602 Heming Court, North Springfield, Va., and the community night on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Dogwood Elementary School, 12300 Glade Drive, Reston, Va.
Community Night Event Highlights
- Meet Astronauts: Engage with Dr. George C. Nield, president of Commercial Space Technologies, LLC, and chairman of the Global Spaceport Alliance. He rocketed to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard in March 2022.
- STEM Activities: Build large telescopes, create a JWST mirror mural, explore light paths with Indis, exoplanet fishing, and infrared technology.
- Family Fun for All Ages: Enjoy engaging, educational activities designed to inspire curiosity and passion for STEM fields.
- Interactive Learning: Explore cutting-edge space science and technology through exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and labs.
For more information on the Space in the Community program and to get involved, visit discoverspace.org/space-in-the-community.
About Arcfield
Arcfield was purpose-built to protect the nation and its allies through innovations in systems engineering and integration, space and mission launch assurance, cybersecurity, and conventional and hypersonic missile support. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 16 global offices, Arcfield employs more than 1,600 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals with more than 65 years of continuous experience supporting missions in cyber and space defense, hypersonic and nuclear deterrence, and warfighter readiness. Visit arcfield.com for more details.
About Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leading public school division in both the Washington, D.C., region and the nation. FCPS inspires and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens. The ninth-largest school division in the United States, FCPS serves a diverse population of nearly 183,000 students, speaking over 200 languages, across 199 schools and centers.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation advances the global space community through education, collaboration and information. Founded in 1983, the nonprofit brings together space professionals, educators and leaders from around the world to highlight how space benefits life on Earth and beyond. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation is supported by members, sponsors, individuals and grants. Learn more at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Media Contacts:
Mayo Blumberg
Communications Specialist
(620) 870-2201
mblumberg@spacefoundation.org
Katerina Figurski
Chief Marketing Officer
(571) 401-2155
katerina.figurski@arcfield.com
Fairfax County Public Schools
Media Relations
mediarelations@fcps.edu