The Mission of the Challenger Space Center is to inspire, excite and educate people of all ages about the mysteries and wonders of space, science and the universe in which we live.
Challenger Learning Center of Arizona is a nonprofit organization, 501.c.3., providing vital science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs to students primarily in grades K-8. In addition, the Center is a public museum open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Challenger Space Center Arizona is one of only three Smithsonian Institution Affiliates in the greater Phoenix Valley, offering quality exhibits and programs for families and people of all ages amidst an exciting backdrop of space exploration.
History of the Center
In 1996, the late U.S. Congressman Bob Stump approached the Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) and asked the district to provide the leadership to build a world-class space science education complex to serve students from around the state. District officials and the PUSD Governing Board enthusiastically accepted this exciting and unique challenge: to host the first stand-alone Challenger Center in Arizona and the Southwest.
Just as it is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, it has taken an entire community to build this one-of-a-kind facility. With an incredible outpouring of community support, from the students who helped design the Center, to major corporations and local businesses, to the many members of the construction community who have come together to build the $7.3 million facility for $3.5 million, the Challenger Space Center is an outstanding example of a public/private partnership.
The story of the Challenger Space Center would not be complete without Peoria residents Kevin and Sydney Knight, who donated $1 million to the Center in January of 2000. In gratitude for their exceedingly generous donation, the Center’s building name is The Knight Space Science Education Center.
Numbers Tell The Story
The Challenger Space Center celebrated its Grand Opening on July 23, 2000. Since that time more than 450,000 multi-generational visitors, consisting of entire families, from first-graders to senior citizens, have experienced space missions, Open Houses, space camps, lectures, classes, stargazing nights, and more.
Dedicated Volunteers
They enjoy a robust volunteer staff, consisting of nearly 100 individuals, many of whom are retirees from nearby senior communities. These enthusiastic supporters have quite a varied background, with many volunteers coming from the military, high tech companies, education, NASA, etc.
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Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
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