Space Foundation Partners with Petit Family Foundation to Launch Space in the Community Program
Space Foundation Partners with Petit Family Foundation to Launch Space in the Community Program
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — April 7, 2023 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that it is partnering with the Petit Family Foundation to launch a Space in the Community (SITC) program in two Connecticut school districts: the Consolidated School District of New Britain and Farmington School District. The SITC programs will begin in early May.
Space Foundation is building the next generation of space leaders and improving the overall quality of education through teacher, student and community programs that use space themes to spark students’ interest and improve skills in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). The SITC program is designed to inspire students about the wonders of space and to reignite the imagination of all members of the community in hopes of inspiring the next generation of explorers.
“We are so excited to be back in Connecticut to work with the students, teachers and entire Hartford community. Space Foundation has loved working with the Petit Family Foundation, and we really appreciate the opportunity to come back to this region to inspire the next generation of space explorers,” said Bobby Gagnon, Space Foundation director of education.
The Petit Family Foundation honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism and activism that defined their lives. The foundation’s funds are given to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences; to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses; and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence.
“The Petit Family Foundation is ecstatic to once again welcome Space Foundation’s team back to Connecticut. We are proud to support the great work that Space Foundation has continued to do for our local students,” said Dr. William A. Petit Jr., president of the Petit Family Foundation.
The SITC program will be launched with a community night on Wednesday, May 10, 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Slade Middle School in New Britain. There is no charge for the event, and community members of all ages are invited to attend. The evening will include several hands-on activities hosted by Space Foundation educators. In addition, the community night will feature a special presentation by former astronaut Lt. Col. Duane “Digger” Carey, USAF (Ret.), who, among many other accomplishments, piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia on a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope in 2002.
Along with educators, Carey will facilitate multiple hands-on learning opportunities with the student bodies of the Consolidated School District of New Britain and Farmington School District. These sessions are being developed to enhance students’ STEAM and science knowledge body, their 21st century skill sets, and inspire them to find their own place in the space industry.
For more information on the Space in the Community program and to get involved, visit discoverspace.org/space-in-the-community.
About Space in the Community
Space in the Community is an initiative of Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education to help regional communities encourage students to become lifelong learners and pursue studies in the global space ecosystem, and in turn build a local workforce to strengthen economic development. Through partnerships, Space Foundation hosts events that inspire students, families, teachers and caregivers with role models from space exploration and space-to-Earth industries as well as hands-on activities. To learn more about Space in the Community, visit https://discoverspace.org/education/space-in-the-community/.
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, Center for Innovation and Education, Petit Family Foundation, Space in the Community, STEAM, STEM education, Duane “Digger” Carey, space exploration, space industry, space ecosystem, lifelong learning, economic development, space-to-Earth industries
Media Contacts:
Kate Sirignano Terricciano
Petit Family Foundation
(860) 919-1020
[email protected]
Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]
Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]