Space Foundation Selects El Pomar Foundation as Recipient of 2025 Athena Education Award

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — March 11, 2025 — Space Foundation today announced that El Pomar Foundation has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Athena Education Award. The award will be presented during the annual Space Symposium, to be held April 7-10 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. 

 Established in 2021, the Athena Education Award recognizes the spirit, leadership and commitment of a steadfast partner to Space Foundation’s global education mission. The award honors their support in providing educational programs that build science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engagement and allow the space leaders of tomorrow to take part in the ever-expanding global space economy. 

 “El Pomar Foundation’s unwavering support has been instrumental in expanding Space Foundation’s educational programs, empowering students and educators with the tools to connect with the tools to connect with space in meaningful ways,” said Mel Stricklan, executive director of Space Workforce for Tomorrow. “Their investment in STEM education continues to shape the future and inspire the next generation. We are proud to recognize their lasting impact.” 

 El Pomar Foundation has been chosen for this prestigious award in recognition of its invaluable guidance and generous funding of Space Foundation’s education programs. An essential partner in our mission from the very beginning, El Pomar Foundation has supported Space Foundation since its founding in Colorado Springs by William (Bill) J. Hybl, former CEO and Chair Emeritus of El Pomar. Throughout Space Foundation’s four decades of operation, El Pomar Foundation has remained a steadfast supporter, providing ongoing assistance through program and capital funding of nearly $9 million. 

 “Space Foundation serves a unique and special role in Colorado and beyond,” said El Pomar President & CEO, Kyle H. Hybl. “Their commitment to advancing the global space community by igniting and fostering new generations of space explorers and providing critical industry information and resources make them an invaluable presence in our country and world. We are incredibly honored to receive this award and proud to have supported Space Foundation and its mission over the last 4 decades. We look forward to supporting them for decades to come.”  

About Space Symposium  

Space Symposium, created in 1984 by Space Foundation, is the premier assembly of the global space community, bringing together more than 12,000 space professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers. Attendees from more than 40 countries gather in Colorado Springs to form partnerships and explore the latest in space technology. Representing all sectors of the space ecosystem, participants include space agencies, commercial businesses, military organizations, government agencies, R&D facilities, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs. The event also extends its global reach with virtual access through livestream and on-demand programming. Visit Space Symposium at www.spacesymposium.org.   

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to advance the global space community. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation raises support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.   

### 

Media Contacts: 

 Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected] 

 Erin Hannan
Sr. Vice President, Communications
El Pomar Foundation
[email protected] 

---

Related Articles