Heartland Community College Challenger Learning Center recognized for serving top number of students

 

[December 10, 2023] 

The Challenger Learning Center (CLC) located at Heartland Community College was recognized by their national organization in Washington, D.C. for serving the most students of all 40 locations.

The national Challenger Center for Space Education honored the Heartland CLC with recognition for “Most Students Flown” over the 2022-2023 academic year. During that span of time, 7,225 students came in person to become scientists, engineers, and innovators in STEM challenges. Another 931 students took part in amazing virtual learning experiences.

Heartland’s Challenger Center focus is on students in grades 5-8 and summer programs for grades K-8. With programs designed for students of all backgrounds, Challenger Learning Center has a concentrated effort to meet the needs of underserved students and learners who are underrepresented in STEM. Working with area schools and the Heartland Community College Foundation, the CLC has provided secondary school classrooms throughout Central Illinois in-person and virtual learning experiences.

“We offer a unique opportunity for schools to engage their students with STEM learning,” said Dr. Julia Ossler, Director of Heartland’s Challenger Learning Center. “At the CLC, students engage in hands-on experiments and simulations that replicate NASA's research labs and astronaut virtual mission training. The immersive environment help them discover their confidence for doing STEM while also learning valuable skills to prepare for future success in any field they choose.”

Dedicated on December 17, 2003, the Challenger Learning Center is approaching 20 years of STEM Learning experiences in Bloomington-Normal. Originally located at the Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, the CLC became part of Heartland Community College in 2009. Located in the Astroth Community Education Center (ACEC) on Heartland’s Main Campus (1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal), the CLC is part of the College’s Continuing Education department which promotes learning for all ages.

Since the 2003 dedication, the Challenger Learning Center has impacted more than 75,000 students and adults.

[Steve Fast
Assistant to the President, Public Information and Communication
Heartland Community College]