Astronauts’ Stories Inspire Students to Reach for the Stars

On April 13, the Space Foundation brought three astronauts to Colorado Springs to inspire students’ interest in space, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. The local “Audience with an Astronaut” program, part of the Space Foundation’s national education program, gives school children the opportunity to hear inspirational stories about the experience of being an astronaut and achieving life-long goals. The participants included students of Colorado-based Teacher Liaisons as well as sixth and seventh grade students at Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy (JSAA).

The school presentations included:

• Dr. Leroy Chiao at JSAA
• Livingston Holder at Bricker Elementary School and Wasson High School
• Mike McCulley, speaking to 10 groups of school children at the U.S. Air Force Academy

In addition, some of the students visited the Mars Yard at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute, which is on the campus of JSAA, for a lesson in robotics.

Space Foundation education programs focus on STEM, providing educator professional development and helping to build the overall technological strength and potential of the nation.

Learn more about Space Foundation education programs at www.spacefoundation.org/education.

Pictured: Space Education Specialist Elias Molen, right, introduces NASA astronaut and Space Foundation Special Advisor – Human Spaceflight Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., to the Mars Yard at the Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.