Space Foundation Press Releases
Space Foundation and Charles County Public Schools Partner for Weeklong STEM Experience
WALDORF, Maryland — Nov. 5, 2026 — Space Foundation and Charles County Public Schools are bringing Space in the Community (SITC) back to Waldorf, Maryland, Nov. 16–20, 2026, for a week of space exploration and STEM learning.
Space Foundation’s SITC program builds lasting community partnerships that help PreK–12 students become lifelong STEM learners. Through hands-on activities, teacher professional development, and community events, the program connects students and educators with space exploration while supporting local workforce development. Across multiple states, SITC has reached thousands of students, helping prepare the next generation for careers in the space industry.
“Through our partnership with Charles County Public Schools, we have the opportunity to bring the excitement of space exploration directly to students and help them discover how what they are learning in the classroom connects to the world around them and beyond Earth,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of Space Foundation Discovery Center. “Our hope is to spark curiosity, inspire students to ask questions and explore new possibilities, and help them see that there is a place for everyone in the future of space exploration. We want every student to recognize that the opportunities ahead of them are limitless.”
Throughout the week, Space Foundation educators and former NASA astronaut Mark Polansky will visit middle schools across the district. A veteran of three spaceflights, Polansky served as pilot of STS-98 and commander of STS-116 and STS-127, logging more than 993 hours in space. Before joining NASA in 1992, he served as a U.S. Air Force pilot and test pilot, accumulating more than 5,000 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. During his NASA career, he also trained astronaut crews, supported Space Shuttle launches and landings, and held several leadership roles. Through stories from his career, Polansky will give students insight into the skills needed for space exploration.
Students will also participate in a hands-on, Artemis-themed STEM activity that encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. Working collaboratively, students will prioritize and pack essential supplies for a lunar mission. They will also explore coding and robotics through interactive activities with Sphero indi robots, developing foundational programming and computational thinking skills. These experiences will connect classroom learning to real-world space explorati
As part of the program, students will also learn about Space Foundation’s National Space Sustainability Competition, which challenges students in grades 6–8 to develop innovative solutions for sustainable living in orbit through sustainable energy. Working in teams, students apply creativity, critical thinking, and STEM concepts to explore the challenges of living and working in space while considering how their ideas could support future space exploration.
“Charles County Public Schools values the longstanding partnership with Space Foundation. We are coming up on 20 years of a successful partnership, which has resulted in professional development opportunities and sessions for hundreds of our teachers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math, known as STEM. Our teachers apply what they learn in these sessions to enhance learning for students,” said Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., superintendent of Charles County Public Schools. “I am excited that through our partnership, Space Foundation is once again bringing the Space in the Community outreach program to Charles County so we can expand STEM education further into the community. This year’s theme is sustainable energy, and I am excited that students will learn how humans can live and work sustainably beyond Earth.”
In addition to school visits, Space Foundation will host a high school peer mentoring event 8:15–11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the James E. Richmond Science Center in Waldorf. Students will connect with industry professionals to explore career pathways in the space sector.
The week will conclude with a Community Night that evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the James E. Richmond Science Center. The event will feature hands-on STEM activities, demonstrations, and a presentation by astronaut Polansky, followed by an opportunity to meet him. Media interested in covering the school visits, peer mentoring event, or Community Night can RSVP to Shelley Mackey with Charles County Public Schools at [email protected].
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit, brings together every corner of the global space ecosystem. Through year-round programs and events, including its flagship Space Symposium, Space Foundation convenes leaders from government, industry, finance, and education to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and advance the future of space. As a trusted, neutral expert, Space Foundation turns connections into impact. It reinvests proceeds from its events into STEM education, workforce development, and its Discovery Center. Together, these programs help build the talent and leadership that will power the space economy for generations to come.
About Charles County Public Schools
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 39 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high-quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
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Media Contact:
Mayo Blumberg
Communications Specialist
(620) 870-2201
[email protected]
Shelley Mackey, APR
Director, Communications and Media Relations
Charles County Public Schools
(301) 934-7220
[email protected]
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