Space Foundation Receives Grant from L3Harris to Fund Cadet Space Explorer Program
Space Foundation Receives Grant from L3Harris to Fund Cadet Space Explorer Program
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — April 2, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering offering education, collaboration and information for the global space ecosystem, today announced that L3Harris Technologies has awarded a $50,000 grant to fund a Cadet Space Explorer Program (CSEP) at Watson Junior High School in Widefield School District 3 in Colorado Springs.
Space Foundation’s CSEP is a project-based curriculum that immerses middle school students and their teachers in the fast-paced world of space innovation. As part of Space Foundation Leadership Academy, CSEP engages students in hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) activities, expanding their knowledge and fostering a passion for space exploration. By empowering the next generation with these initiatives, Space Foundation and L3Harris are actively cultivating future leaders and contributors to the global space ecosystem.
“We are very excited to continue our partnership with L3Harris to expose more students and educators to high-quality STEAM and entrepreneurial education opportunities,” said Melissa Patton, Space Foundation vice president of education. “With this $50,000 grant from L3Harris Technologies, we will be able to remove many barriers for these students to thrive and explore a potential career in the space ecosystem.”
Space Foundation and L3Harris have formed a longstanding partnership dedicated to providing space-based education and cultivating opportunities that inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the space industry. The company has been a sponsor for Space Foundation Leadership Academy, Space in the Community, Audience With an Astronaut, and much more.
School districts interested in participating in Space Foundation Leadership Academy may visit discoverspace.org/education/leadership-academy for more information.
About Cadet Space Explorers Program (CSEP)
Cadet Space Explorer Program (CSEP), launched in 2023 by Space Foundation, immerses middle-school students into the fast-paced world of space technology and exploration. Cadets use information they attain throughout the program to develop their own CubeSat proposal and prototype, fostering passion for crucial scientific research. To learn more about CSEP, visit www.discoverspace.org/education/csep.
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, Leadership Academy 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.
About Space FoundationÂ
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering education, collaboration and information 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, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Foundation Leadership Academy, L3Harris, Cadet Space Explorers Program, CSEP, Center for Innovation and Education, Watson Junior High School, Widefield School District 3, STEM, STEAM education, education grant, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space advocate
Media Contacts:
 Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]
Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]
Irene Lockwood
Space and Airborne Systems
L3Harris Technologies
(585) 465-3592
[email protected]