BP scholarships sending 600 students to Challenger Learning Center
Tallahassee, FL – Some students arrive at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee, Florida with textbook knowledge of science and math, but it only takes a few hours in the facility for kids to discover a world of knowledge beyond their books.
The Challenger Learning Center, an outreach facility of both Florida A&M and Florida State Universities, allows students from kindergarten through college to become NASA engineers and astronauts for a day.
This year, BP is funding scholarships to eighth grade classes from Northwest Florida schools. As a result, 20 entire classes from Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay and Gulf Counties are taking field trips to the Challenger Learning Center – more than 600 children in all.
Challenger director Michelle Personette says when students are involved in the hands-on mission at the center they learn differently.
“Individual student successes are celebrated by all students because they become a team with shared goals and excitement,” said Personette. “It is during these experiences that students become excited and engaged in the application of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.”
The inspiration to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM concepts – is one reason BP partners with the Challenger Learning Center to provide scholarships. Inspiring learning in these areas is “key to our business,” according to Hope Lanier, the director of government and public affairs in the southeast for BP.
“We are pleased to provide opportunities for hands-on learning for children who may not otherwise be able to enjoy these experiences,” said Lanier.
This year, BP is funding scholarships to eighth grade classes from Northwest Florida schools. As a result, 20 entire classes from Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay and Gulf Counties are taking field trips to the Challenger Learning Center – more than 600 children in all.
The student field trips include a space mission simulation, an IMAX® film, a hands-on science demonstration, as well as a visit to the Challenger Learning Center Downtown Digital Dome Theatre and Planetarium – a 50-foot, high-definition theatre where students can view the night sky. The students also get to take a tour of the Florida Historic Capital Museum and meet with elected officials. In addition, teachers are receiving special training and additional material for follow up lessons in the classroom back home.
Challenger Learning Center Director Personette says BP’s investment is rewarding for all involved, because they see a direct impact on students.
“The Challenger Learning Center is very grateful to BP for providing several hundred North Florida students the opportunity to experience hands-on STEM education,” said Personette. “BP's support of programs such as the Challenger Learning Center's mission will have a lasting impact on the students we serve, and we are thrilled that BP believes in our mission and is willing to support us.”
“If this opportunity brings classroom learning to life for even one or two of these kids and pushes them forward in this field than this effort will have been a success,” adds Lanier.
