History:

Born out of the tragedy that took the lives of the crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51L on January 28, 1986, Challenger Learning Center's were created by the families of the crew members as a living memorial to their spirit of exploration and human development. The families knew that a lasting memorial, dedicated to educating students in science, mathematics, and engineering, could play a vital role in America’s future. Currently, more than 50 Challenger Learning Centers continue the commitment to education that was exemplified by mission STS-51L.

Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Jr.

"I know one good answer to the questions people are asking about American education, American scientific leadership and American students' motivation to learn. That answer is Challenger Center!"

- "Buzz" Aldrin, Astronaut Gemini 12, Apollo 11

John Herschel Glenn, Jr.

"Inspiring...Exploring...Learning. It's our mission. That's hard to beat and I couldn't agree with it more. Wow, what a mission!"

- John Glenn, Mercury-Atlas 6 and STS-95