Challenger Center, a nonprofit science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education organization and St. Clair County Community College (SC4) are teaming up to open a Challenger Learning Center on the College’s campus. Challenger Learning Center at St. Clair County Community College will serve Michigan and Ontario students using programs that introduce STEM subjects and careers and inspire students to pursue these essential fields. The Center is scheduled to open in early 2022.
“SC4 is an ideal location for a Challenger Learning Center,” said Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College. “We are committed to expanding student interest in STEM and encouraging STEM higher education opportunities on our campus. The addition of a Challenger Learning Center supports the college and our community by fostering a robust culture of STEM, strengthening STEM education opportunities, integrating business, industry and educational entities, and creating high-quality educational experiences for learners of all ages.”
The new Challenger Learning Center will be part of the Challenger Learning Center network that has reached more than 5.5 million students worldwide. Challenger Learning Centers offer a variety of hands-on STEM programs, with the core being its simulated space-themed missions that take place in a fully immersive Spacecraft and Mission Control and Briefing and Transport rooms. Aligned with national education standards and informed by real science data, these Missions excite students about STEM, introduce students to careers in various STEM fields, and help students build critical 21st century skills.
“We are excited to welcome St. Clair County Community College to the Challenger Center organization and look forward to seeing the students of Michigan and Ontario experience our unique STEM programs,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO, Challenger Center. “This year marks Challenger Center’s 35th Anniversary. For us, there’s no better way to recognize such an important milestone than to reach more students, and this new Center at St. Clair County Community College will do just that.”