Category: Learning

Challenger Learning Center at SC4 to launch with a public event on April 30

The Challenger Learning Center at St. Clair County Community College’s (SC4) Experience Center will celebrate its official public launch on April 30, 2022, with an event on the College’s Port Huron, Mich., campus.

The Challenger Learning Center at SC4—in partnership with the Challenger Center, a nonprofit STEM education organization, and in collaboration with its Unity in Learning partner, which also includes the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the Leslie Science & Nature Center and the Yankee Air Museum—is the only Center of its kind in Michigan and one of 40 Challenger Learning Centers nationwide and around the world. It is a fully immersive, space-themed, STEM experience aimed at deepening understanding and appreciation of STEM careers and topics and building critical 21st-century skills.

The Challenger Learning Center at SC4 offers unique learning and team-building opportunities for students, educators, corporations and community residents, as well as unparalleled programming for 5th-8th grade learners (adaptable for 8th grade+) that aligns with national education standards. Early registration for the first space mission offering, Lunar Quest, is now open.

The launch event on April 30 is free and open to the public, though registration is required. It will take place throughout the Experience Center, located in the Clara E. Mackenzie Building, and will feature opportunities to tour the Challenger Learning Center, meet a NASA astronaut, conduct Super Sciences experiments and see live animals.

Guests to the April 30 launch event also can take advantage of other Experience Center highlights, including the Dr. Bassam H. Nasr Natural Science Museum, Live Sturgeon, Wind and Solar, Jacob’s Ladder, Electromagnetism, Green Screen Photo Experience, Mineral Gallery, Fossil Dig, Bird, and Technology exhibits.

“We’re thrilled to announce our official launch date of the Challenger Learning Center at SC4 and welcome visitors to campus,” said Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College. “We need to provide more opportunities for learners of all ages to engage in STEM experiences—to get them excited and passionate about solving 21st century challenges. We are so excited about what this addition in our Experience Center can and will do for our local and regional communities.”

Challenger Center was founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Challenger shuttle tragedy. The families of the crew came together and created Challenger Center to carry on the spirit of their loved ones and continue the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Challenger Center, with its network of Challenger Learning Centers and digital programs, have reached more than 5.5 million students worldwide.

“We are so excited to open the doors to this new Challenger Learning Center and welcome the Southeast Michigan community to see all that it has to offer,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO of Challenger Center. “SC4 shares our vision and commitment to inspire the next generation. We’re proud to help play a part in that commitment with the addition of the Challenger Learning Center at SC4.”
 
Added Mel Drumm, president and CEO of Unity in Learning, “The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is delighted to collaborate with SC4 upon the opening of the new Challenger Learning Center. This new informal learning experience will immerse each participant into life-like simulations well beyond anything previously available in Southeast Michigan. As the newest member of the region’s Unity in Learning collaborative, the Challenger Learning Center will join with three regional science, nature and aviation organizations to become the region’s newest destination for hands-on discovery, exploration of the natural world and experiences that take flight.”

To register for the April 30 event, visit challenger.sc4.edu/launch-event/. For more information and to book a Lunar Quest mission, visit challenger.sc4.edu.

Native American History Month presentation planned Nov. 5

In recognition of Native American History Month, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is sponsoring a presentation titled ‘We Are Still Here’ by Banashee (Joe) Cadreau and Giddigongookskwe (Jade) Green. The presentation will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, in the Fine Arts Theatre.

The event will be a discussion and presentation on Indigenous culture and history in Michigan, the United States and Canada. The importance of identity and the real history of the three fires people of Michigan (Ojibwa, Odawa and Botawatami) and how we are still here and why our history was never told due to colonization and assimilation.

Banashee (Joe) Cadreau

Banashee is an enrolled member of the federally recognized Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He was raised in both traditional and urban upbringings, both on reservation and a major metropolitan area. In his adolescent years, refusing to acknowledge his culture led to many difficult times as he struggled to find his place in the world. He later recognized his calling was to fight for social justice and equity. He is an active community advocate for Anishinaabe people and all Indigenous people throughout the country and globally.

He travels across the state delivering diversity presentations for schools, universities, museums and corporate clients.

Giddigongookskwe (Jade) Green

Giddigongookskwe, a 14-year old from Howard City, is co-founder of Bimose Ode. She has a passion for speaking about her journey with her Indigenous identity and issues that indigenous youth face today and in the future.

The oldest of four siblings she helps to instill traditions and a sense of Native pride for her family. She is particularly concerned with issues surrounding racism in the battle for clean water and access to healthy food. She spends her time volunteering and getting involved in social activism and community organizations.

Email dei@sc4.edu to reserve a seat for this event.

Challenger Learning Center at SC4 opens early registration for Mission Lunar Quest

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is pleased to launch its Challenger Learning Center website and announce early mission registration opportunities for Michigan and Ontario students and educators, businesses and corporations, and community members.

SC4—in partnership with the Challenger Center, a nonprofit science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education organization, and in collaboration with Unity in Learning, which includes the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the Leslie Science & Nature Center and the Yankee Air Museum—will officially launch its Challenger Learning Center on the College’s campus in Spring 2022.

The Challenger Learning Center at SC4 is the only Center of its kind in Michigan and one of 40 Centers nationwide and around the world. It is a fully immersive, space-themed, STEM experience aimed at deepening understanding and appreciation of STEM careers and topics and building critical 21st century skills. Challenger Center and its network of Challenger Learning Centers aim to ignite a passion for learning in students and open their eyes to new possibilities for the future. The Center offers unique learning and team-building opportunities for learners of all ages and unparalleled programming for 5th-8th grade learners (adaptable for 8th grade+) that aligns with national science standards.

Though the Challenger Learning Center at SC4 won’t officially launch until Spring 2022, early registration for the first space mission offering, Lunar Quest, is now open. Lunar Quest takes crew members, serving in a variety of STEM-based roles, to the Moon in search of a long-term human habitat. It is the first of four space missions that will take flight in the Challenger Learning Center at SC4. Half day (min. 18 guests/max. 35 guests) and full-day experiences (min. 36 guests/max. 70 guests) are available, and pricing varies based on mission experience.

“We’re thrilled to launch this website and open registration for those interested in reserving a mission experience,” said Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College. “Our nation needs future leaders who are adept at understanding and solving the challenging problems of today and the future. The Challenger Learning Center at SC4 will help support STEM education, exploration and innovation with experiences that go far beyond an everyday field trip, outing or corporate training session.”

Additional opportunities such as a Galaxy Quest STEM Summer Camp will be available beginning in Summer 2022.

“We’re incredibly excited to see the momentum continue to build for the Challenger Learning Center at SC4,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO, Challenger Center. “We’re hard at work building the Spacecraft and preparing Mission Control to welcome students and community members to fly our newest space missions that we developed in partnership with NASA. The countdown has started and we can’t wait to open the doors of this new Center in 2022.”

Added Mel Drumm, president and CEO of Unity in Learning, “The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is delighted to collaborate with SC4 upon the opening of the new Challenger Center. This new informal learning experience will immerse each participant into life-like simulations well beyond anything previously available in Southeast Michigan. As the newest member of the region’s Unity in Learning collaborative, the Challenger Center will join with three regional science, nature and aviation organizations to become the region’s newest destination for hands-on discovery, exploration of the natural world and experiences that take flight.” 

Challenger Center was founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Challenger accident by the crew’s families, who were firmly committed to carrying on the spirit of their loved ones and continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Challenger Center and its network of Challenger Learning Centers have reached more than 5.5 million students worldwide.

For more information and to book a Lunar Quest mission, visit challenger.sc4.edu.

SC4 President’s Honor List for Summer 2021

A total of 274 St. Clair County Community College students earned a spot on the President’s Honor List for the 2021 summer semester, which ended Aug. 6.

Students must take at least six credits and have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher to make the list.

President’s Honor List for the 2021 summer semester, ordered by hometown:

ALGONAC — Emily Cross, Brenda Furtah, Jessica Green, Raven Gunnells, Mickenzie Heim, Jeremiah Jones, Madelynn Saddler and Kristen Vohs.

ALLENTON — Evette Beuschlein.

ALMONT — Maria Bussone and Timothy Wolf.

APPLEGATE — Kristina Osborne.

ARMADA — Kayla Campis and Nicole Sawitzky.

ATTICA — John Lindsey and Miranda Pekala.

AVOCA — Sarah Koch and Amy Liebler.

BAD AXE — Nicole London.

BERLIN TOWNSHIP — Sydney Kosewicz and Olivia McCarroll.

BROWN CITY — Grace LaBelle.

BURTCHVILLE TOWNSHIP — Sherry Bevins-Castillo and Jenna Hayre.

CAPAC — Dakota Killingbeck and Terra King.

CARSONVILLE — Alyssa Johnson and Hua Li.

CASCO TOWNSHIP — Cynthia Shurish.

CHESTERFIELD — Brianna Allor.

CHINA TOWNSHIP — Gabby Dziedzic and Allison Pietrykowski.

CLAY TOWNSHIP — Dominique Desano, Ashley Huber and Jasmine Richardson.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Marta Walsh.

CLYDE TOWNSHIP — Jordan Berg, Rebekah Delmedico, Paige Gerrow and Camry Robtoy.

COLUMBUS TOWNSHIP — Kimberly Berman, Brenda McLeod, Anna Roland, Maria Sanchez-Cerda and Brianna Swantek.

COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP — Trevor Knox and April Storey.

CROSWELL — Joona Fenner, Nathaniel Hayslett and Eden Jenkins.

DETROIT — Vicki Rose.

EAST CHINA TOWNSHIP — Miah Adams, Shelby Arnett, Sarah Borunda, Katherine Brozik, Jessica Hopkins, Kristin Malcolm, Tayler Malone, Taylor-Rae Pastorius, Hannah Psink and William Schunk.

ELKTON — Cheyenne Rathje.

EMMETT — Rosemary Day, Mark Donnellon, Marie Frohriep, Chris Heiden, Sydne Kujawa, Madison Raymo, Sarah Robinson, Matthew Wetter and Nina Wicker.

FORT GRATIOT — Shawn Baker, Shelby Bombard, Alyssa Boyd, Zachary Brockway, Alexzandra Carr, Ryan Duda, Elle Fisher, Larissa John, Ethan Kane, Maxwell Kenny, Tabatha Lester, Haylee Moore, Kobi Moretz, Michele Niehaus, Tallon Palmateer, Wendy Teich, Darrell Washington and Alexis Williams.

FORT MYERS BEACH, FLA. — Brooke Snyder.

FOWLERVILLE — Eric Lardie.

GOODELLS — Jennifer Freigruber, Gracie Graber, Kelly Mertz, Carson Nolan and Ryleigh Walsh.

GRAND BLANC — Stacy Baldwin.

HARBOR BEACH — Andrei Maungca and Rebecca Roggenbuck.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Mackenzie Bryant.

HARSENS ISLAND — Angela Prize-Walker.

IMLAY CITY — Hanna Adamczak.

IRA TOWNSHIP — Megan Bishop.

JEDDO — Kristen Fleury.

KENOCKEE TOWNSHIP — Brooke Thompson.

KIMBALL TOWNSHIP — Isabel Allen, Alicia Archibald, Dawn Barr, Ashley Collier-Sullivan, Katie Gossman, Helen Hamm, Jennifer Hauck, Mikala Kish, Nicole Kozfkay, Holly Sawdon, Beth Seibert, Nichole Swinson and Cheyene Williams.

LAPEER — Kayla McCorry, Jessica Starr and Cameron Wolowiec.

LEXINGTON — Justin Galbraith.

LINDEN — Samantha Thelen.

MACOMB — Tanya Hawil.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Jordan Galvan.

MARINE CITY — Marie Bearden, Melanie Carlson, Nicole Degasperis, Lindsey Hoover, Amanda Hurst, Chassi Kuecken, Hanna Lowes, Orianne Myres, Austin Niemi, Jamie Stanislawski, Alyssa Westrick and Keith Wroblewski.

MARLETTE — Mary Hillman.

MARYSVILLE — Maria Almeida Medeiros, Robert Balwinski, Olivia Burkhardt, Jonathan Chapdelaine, Erica Devigili, Tanya Earl, Alysia Ferrier, Hayley Gilmartin, Kenneth Greenia, Alexandra Greer, William Guy, Kayla Kavanagh, Kaitlynn Kindsvater, Travis McCann, Meghan McNames, Ashley Nevarez, Matthew Reeves, Sara Schmaltz, Jennifer Thomas and Emily Westrick.

MELVIN — Ann Demaray.

MEMPHIS — Chloe Lebow, Chad Nikles, Ariana Parrinello and Erica Syck.

METAMORA — Kaitlyn Evans.

MUSSEY TOWNSHIP — Dawn Chapman, Pamela Lerash and Sara Mandeville.

NEW HAVEN — Nicole Mallory.

NORTH BRANCH — Katrina Guldi and Emily Parker.

NORTH STREET — Leigh Grimes.

PORT HURON — Alicia Bailey, Judy Bloink, Jaylynn Buckley, Ashley Chattick, Hailey Clink, Noel Cosby, Cristina De Gregory, Sherry Denby, Angelic Drake, Danielle Eagle, Alesha Fay, Becky Fleming, Jasmine Garcia, Holden Gauthier, Hadley Gibbs, Nicole Griffor, Kristyana Hamblin, Samantha Herman, Samantha Howard, Kelsee Husson, Marisa Jones, Lindsey Kasten, Christian Lester, Aly Love, Kathleen Mavis, Melissa McCracken, Linsay McLain, Laura McNeill, Chrystianna Meadows, Rachel Miller, Amanda Miron, Jessica Miron, Mary Palmateer, Brandon Purcell, Mallory Reid, Nicholas Rex, Haley Rock, Theresa Schoben, Trent Sheldon, Dawn Silk, Chelsea Sterling, Autumn Strauch, Jen Thompson, April Tracy, Amanda VanThomme, Lily Vella, Alexandria Viola, Hailey Ward, Brady Wardlow, Julia Wing and Nicole Young.

RICHMOND — Camille Schafer.

RILEY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Enders.

SHELBY — Bailey Himanek.

SMITHS CREEK — Elizabeth Rylander.

ST. CLAIR — Branden Ayers, Katelyn Bartholomew, Julianna Cataldo, Amanda Chase, Andrew Cordes, Rebecca Donajkowski, Wendy Edgemon, Alestair Frantz, Kaylee Greaux, Mary Griskiewicz, Jason Gunnery, Megan Gunnery, Amelia Hamill, Joshua Hilton, Megan Jones, Therese Kalbaugh, Matthew Kerrigan, Leigh Knox, Michael Leroy, Kaitlyn Nowak, Sydni Oleksinski, Katelynn Paynter, Carrie Ravinkane, Chase Richardson, Sydney Riske, Drew Saunders, Danielle Sikora, Sarah Snider, Angela Stragier, Lia Turner, Roni Vanderwill, Jessica Westrick, Heather Woodman and Madelyn Woytta.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Michael Hartson and Heather Richter.

SWARTZ CREEK — Kallie Albert.

TROY — Victoria Franz.

WARREN — Amy DelVecchio.

YALE — Caleb Bollaert, Joel Duckert, Jada Janes, Jamie Kadarian, Hayley Kavanagh, Chad Plenda, Morganne Rapley, Kristine Silverthorn and Monica Stiles.