Lockheed Martin, Space Foundation bringing space-focused STEM program to Huntsville schools

Thanks to funding from Lockheed Martin, Space Foundation is presenting its Space in the Community Program to two Huntsville schools.

From November 3 through November 5, the nonprofit global space ecosystem advocacy organization will present its program to engage students about space-focused, STEM-related career fields to New Century Technology High School and the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE).

Geared toward bolstering future economic development by strengthening the local workforce, Space in the Community seeks to encourage students to pursue learning opportunities in the space ecosystem.

The collaborative effort between Lockheed Martin and Space Foundation is to inspire students to enroll in high school courses that will serve to better position them in their pursuit of post-secondary credentials to enter the workforce.

Retired U.S. Navy captain and former NASA astronaut Winston Scott will accompany Space Foundation to participate in the program. He will inform local students about educational opportunities that would prove beneficial in their journey to enter space-related careers.

Thanks to the generosity of @LockheedMartin we'll be presenting our "Space in the Community" events in Huntsville, AL, Nov. 3-5, featuring former NASA astronaut Captain Winston E. Scott, USN (Ret.). Learn more: https://t.co/BGVTQoCcLg pic.twitter.com/x4CbCjdNx6

— Space Foundation (@SpaceFoundation) October 27, 2021

In addition to Scott’s presentation, Space Foundation educators will lead students as they partake in hands-on STEM activities centered around NASA’s Artemis I mission. Huntsville-area educators will also receive professional development training as well as a free public community night at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Space Foundation vice president of education Autumn Thomas outlined the program’s mission.

“Our goal with Space in the Community is to inspire the entire community to see themselves in space and promote our organizational mission of creating ‘Space for You. Space for All,'” said Thomas. “It promises to be an engaging, enriching and educational event for participants.”

ASCTE president Matt Massey expressed gratitude to Lockheed Martin for making the presentation possible.

“We are grateful for Lockheed Martin’s commitment to ASCTE,” stated Massey. “Because of their support, the Space Foundation’s Space in the Community program will introduce our students to a NASA astronaut, hopefully inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders whose innovations will ensure we remain at the forefront of defense and space. These experiences with our partners allow our students to build meaningful relationships, explore their interests and passions, and apply classroom gained knowledge to real-life experiences.”

Lockheed Martin program vice president Jeffery Kepley detailed the aerospace giant’s commitment to supporting workforce development efforts.

“We’re proud to support Space Foundation’s STEM programming and are excited to bring Space in the Community back to Huntsville,” proclaimed Kepley. “We depend on a diverse and highly skilled workforce to support our mission, and we remain committed to inspiring and supporting our industry’s future leaders in Huntsville and across the country.”

Following its presentation of Space in the Community, Space Foundation on November 6 will attend Artemis on the Square in Huntsville. Space Foundation and Lockheed Martin will share a booth at the event providing informational resources on engaging STEM activities for youth as well as information about Lockheed Martin’s role in returning Americans to the moon.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL