Our Mission..
As the nation mourned the loss
of the Challenger Space Shuttle carrying seven astronauts including
the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe, the grieving families vowed that the mission of
education would continue in honor of the astronauts who started it.
In an effort to memorialize their loved ones with something more than
a stone monument, the families started a project designed to inspire
and encourage enthusiasm for space science among all ages,
particularly students, turning tragedy…into triumph. Thus was
born the Challenger Learning Center, a program aimed at paying tribute
to the Challenger Seven by perpetuating their legacy through the
education and motivation of America’s young.
With now a
network of over 40 centers spanning across the country, as well as in
Canada and Great Britain, Peoria is proud to call itself home to the
Knight Space Science Education Center and the Challenger Learning
Center of Arizona. The 41st site, CLC of Arizona was established
for the purpose of creating unique educational opportunities for
students, educators, business people, and community members alike from
Arizona and the southwest.
Our Center’s
mission is to provide the opportunities offered through the objectives
of the national organization to the local citizens of our state.
