ABOUT US
Our Legacy
In the aftermath of the Challenger STS-51L tragedy, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to carrying on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing their education mission. In April 1986, they created Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
The families’ vision was to create a place that would inspire children; where students could conduct experiments, collaborate to solve problems, and immerse themselves in space-like surroundings. Their goal was to spark an interest and joy in STEM. A spark that could change the trajectory of children’s futures.
To date, Challenger Center has reached more than 6 million students globally and continues to inspire hundreds of thousands of students every year.
OUR HISTORY
The journey to establish a Challenger Learning Center in Northeast Alabama began in July 2022 with a group of 15 businessmen and women, community leaders, and educators who expressed concerns about gaps in education and the need to widen the workforce pipeline of highly skilled workers in the region.
It was readily apparent that the goals of Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its global network of learning centers were not only closely aligned with the State’s current educational and workforce initiatives but also offered a unique, hands-on learning experience in a space themed environment that made learning exciting and engaging.
The Advisory Council members met with community stakeholders and garnered significant support for a Challenger Learning Center to serve as a regional STEM Center serving 5th-8th grade students in Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega counties. Advisory Council members became the first donors and champions for locating a facility in Etowah County.
A Special Project Fund was established with the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), a 501(c)3 organization, for the Challenger project. Through a Memorandum of Understanding between CFNEA and the Advisory Council, the CFNEA provides multiple services, including financial management, human resources, marketing, and selected support services to facilitate the work of the Advisory Council and manage the construction and operation of the Challenger Learning Center.
With the support of the Governor’s office, the local legislative delegation, elected officials, school superintendents, and other key stakeholders, $8.5 million was secured in supplemental funds from the 2023 Education Trust Fund to construct a Center in Etowah County. In addition, a $2.4 million federal earmark to fund the Challenger Simulator was secured by U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt. A groundbreaking ceremony attended by elected officials, including Gov. Kay Ivey, was held Sept. 17, 2024, on the construction site located in Rainbow City. The facility is expected to be completed in January 2026.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DR. FARRAH HAYES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORIn this role, Dr. Farrah Hayes is leading the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama in its mission to develop and implement innovative STEM programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
She aims to provide accessible and high-quality STEM education and training, starting at the middle school level and continuing through workforce development programs for high school students.
JEFF BOYD
BARRY CHERRY
TINA GREGERSON
MARTHA LAVENDER,PhD, RN, FAAN
JENNIFER S. MADDOX
HON. ALLEN MILLICAN
LISA MORALES
JEFF NAPPER
JEFF PRINCE
TERESA RHEA,EdD
TONY SMITH
ELAINE HARRIS SPEARMAN, ESQ.
JOE TAYLOR
MARK WEAVER
Chad Strawn
MISSION
VISION
CORE IMPACTS
STEM CAREER AWARENESS:
STEM ENGAGEMENT:
STEM SELF-EFFICACY:
21ST CENTURY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:
