Written by Space Systems Command’s STEM Outreach Program
Space Systems Command’s (SSC) STEM Outreach program doesn’t just dream of the technology of tomorrow: it builds the scientists and engineers who will create it. The dedicated outreach professionals who run the SSC Space STEM Program are igniting passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in students across the globe and nurturing the next generation of United States Space Force (USSF) Guardians.
Over the past three months, 50 volunteers shared their time and expertise to inspire close to 6,000 students across nearly 40 schools and youth organizations. Space Force Guardians shared captivating personal stories – from childhood dreams to their educational journeys, and the unwavering passion that led them to the careers they have today.
During one school visit, a fifth grader, practically bursting with excitement, exclaimed, “How soon can I join the United States Space Force?” after hearing SSC’s Diedra Eberhardt share her infectious enthusiasm for the USSF’s mission to secure our Nation’s interests across the space frontier.
“SSC’s Space STEM program opens up an incredibly exciting new world for today’s curious young minds,” explained Eberhardt, a senior executive at SSC who has been an enthusiastic mentor and STEM champion throughout her space career.
The program is a sustainable initiative designed to grow students’ knowledge and build their interest year after year from pre-K through 5th grade. Students delve into the intricacies of rocketry, the science of launching payloads into orbit, and the mesmerizing dance of orbital mechanics.
The real magic happens when abstract concepts transform into tangible experiences. Students don’t just read about gravity and velocity; they feel them. They plan, build, and launch their own paper rockets using Space Force-designed air-compressed launchers. They learn to apply the scientific method to hypothesize, experiment, analyze, and refine their designs, pushing their rockets to achieve optimal trajectories and altitudes. Imagine the thrill as their creations soar skyward!
This year alone, nearly 6,000 student-designed rockets have soared through the skies, many reaching up to 150 feet. The impact of SSC’s STEM program goes beyond the launchpad: post-program surveys show a 30% increase in space and STEM knowledge retention for those students who have participated in the program annually for the past four years.
Launched in early 2021 amidst the challenges of the pandemic, SSC’s Space STEM Program has engaged more than 44,000 students across multiple states. The program has brought students to Vandenberg, Patrick, and Buckley Space Force bases, and has influenced students attending schools in rural Tennessee, New Jersey, and even Hawaii. This year, SSC expanded the program internationally, inspiring students at Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) elementary schools at Yokota Air Base and the U.S. Embassy preschool in Tokyo.
The program’s success isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s measured in the spark ignited in young minds. Space Force Guardians and SSC volunteers, including engineers, scientists, program managers and more, serve as real-world role models, demonstrating the exciting possibilities that STEM opportunities inspire in students and teachers.
“The feedback we receive from students and teachers alike lets us know we’re making an impact,” said Nicole Palmer, director of SSC STEM. “Many students who participate in our program have never been exposed to what space is all about. In addition to sharing the excitement about space with students, it’s also critically important to engage today’s educators as well as family members – the people kids go to for guidance and encouragement.”
“I absolutely loved how all the students were cheering for each other and the excitement they had,” shared one teacher after a recent presentation in Florida. Another declared, “The students in my class LOVED this activity. They talked about it for the rest of the day. Families were excited for their kiddos.”
At the end of each unforgettable experience, students take home their rockets, and a newfound sense of possibility, as proud USSF Junior Guardians. Empowered by knowledge and a passion for space, they become ambassadors of STEM, sharing their excitement with family and friends.
Recognized with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Team Award and STEM Advocate of the Year, SSC’s Space STEM program is a testament to the dedication of its small, yet mighty, team.
“Our team members are deeply committed to inspiring the next generation,” said Nicole Tibbetts, executive lead of the program. “We believe that by sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm for space, we can empower students to pursue their dreams and hopefully one day contribute to the future of the Space Force mission.”
The SSC STEM Outreach program is more than an educational initiative; it’s an investment in the future. By nurturing a passion for STEM today, SSC is cultivating the talent that will design, build, and launch the space systems of tomorrow. This no-cost program, eagerly anticipated by students, parents, and teachers alike, is not just reaching for the stars, it’s inspiring countless others to do the same. That’s a mission truly essential to our future in space.
