Space Workforce for Tomorrow and Challenger Center Partner to Advance Engagement and Impact in Space Workforce Development

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Feb. 13, 2025 — Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) today announced a new partnership with Challenger Center to advance their shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers. SWFT, a consortium of leading space companies, focuses on workforce development through three strategic pillars: INSPIRE, PREPARE, and EMPLOY. Challenger Center is a leading STEM education nonprofit organization that develops and delivers simulation-based STEM programs to students at Challenger Learning Centers and in classrooms. This collaboration supports SWFT’s INSPIRE pillar, which seeks to expand the pipeline of students interested in space industry careers by engaging learners at the K-12 level.

Commenting on the partnership, SWFT Executive Director Melanie Stricklan said, “Our partnership with Challenger Center marks a significant step forward in motivating the next generation of space professionals. Guided by SWFT’s three-pillar approach—INSPIRE, PREPARE, and EMPLOY—we are creating clear pathways for students to explore and pursue careers in the space industry. Together, we are transforming lives, creating opportunities, and building the foundation for a capable and inclusive workforce.”

Challenger Center will join SWFT as the inaugural “Implementation Partner,” setting itself apart from other partners by focusing exclusively on inspiring and engaging the next generation of space workforce members. As part of this collaboration, Challenger Center will provide reach and impact data for the over 200,000 students it serves annually. Additionally, it will serve as a thought partner to SWFT members, ensuring that INSPIRE activities effectively raise student awareness, interest, and positive attitudes toward careers in the space industry.

“For nearly four decades, Challenger Center has built and delivered space-themed programs that increase STEM engagement, career interest, identity, and self-efficacy in students,” said Mike Kincaid, president and executive director, Challenger Center. “We not only know how to deliver space-themed STEM education at scale nationwide, but we also know how to ensure those programs drive workforce growth. Our partnership with SWFT will build upon our knowledge of industry needs and support workforce development goals.”

About Challenger Center 

As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides hundreds of thousands of students each year with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT)

Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) is a strategic initiative by Space Foundation and The Aerospace Corporation, supported by over 30 leading space organizations. From the classroom to the boardroom, SWFT aims to eliminate the national STEM talent gap, illuminate career pathways for all, and build a workforce ready to meet the demands of the growing space industry. By inspiring, preparing, and employing the next generation of space professionals, SWFT fosters innovation, strengthens U.S. leadership in space, and connects untapped talent with opportunities. Learn more or support our mission at www.swft.space.