Janet’s Planet Receives National Challenger-7 Recognition at Astronaut Academy Graduation

POTTSTOWN, Pa. (July 24, 2026) — Janet’s Planet was honored with Challenger Center’s prestigious Challenger-7 Recognition on Thursday during the graduation ceremony for 54 participants in the 2026 Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy Science Camp at the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown.

Created as part of the 40th Anniversary of Challenger Center, the Challenger-7 Recognition is a national honor celebrating organizations whose work reflects the spirit, vision, and values of the Space Shuttle Challenger 51-L crew. It recognizes those who embody the Challenger crew’s values of exploration, learning, and inspiration, while also celebrating trailblazing organizations and programs that will carry this mission forward into the future.

Janet’s Planet was nominated in recognition of the organization’s longstanding partnership with Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) to provide programs and camping experiences for local students. These programs inspire students through engaging, hands-on STEAM education projects and meaningful opportunities to connect with scientists, engineers, astronauts, and other STEM professionals.

The award presentation took place as part of the graduation ceremony celebrating campers, ages 8–14, who completed a week of immersive STEM experiences. Throughout the week, students participated in astronaut challenges, science experiments, simulated space missions, and aviation workshops designed to strengthen teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Photo by Linda Johnson

“Janet’s Planet and Challenger Center share a mission—to inspire a lifelong sense of curiosity and confidence that empowers young people to dream big and pursue futures in STEM,” said Mike Kincaid, President and Executive Director of Challenger Center. “Through decades of engaging students with authentic, hands-on experiences, Janet and her team have opened doors to discovery for so many young people. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary impact with the Challenger-7 Recognition.”

“Through its innovative programming and immersive educational experiences, Janet’s Planet has inspired generations of young learners to pursue their curiosity, think critically, and explore the world with wonder and purpose,” said Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President. “Its impact reaches far beyond the classroom, empowering students to discover their unique talents, build self-confidence, and believe in the boundless potential within themselves. We are proud to celebrate our collaborator, Janet’s Planet, and this well-deserved recognition, honoring its extraordinary contributions to enriching lives and helping learners of all ages envision—and achieve—what is possible.”

Accepting the award, Janet Ivey-Duensing, founder and CEO of Janet’s Planet, reflected on the organization’s mission and the importance of inspiring the next generation of explorers.

“I remember watching the Challenger launch and grieving with the rest of the world for the seven remarkable people we lost,” said Janet Ivey-Duensing, CEO and Founder of Janet’s Planet, Inc. “Educator and Astronaut Christa McAuliffe famously said that ‘Space is for everybody.’ I have taken those words to heart. To be recognized four decades later for carrying even a small part of that vision forward is an honor I receive with enormous gratitude. But above all, this belongs to the thousands of students who have allowed me the privilege of sharing space and science with them. Students are the center of Janet’s Planet orbit, and I plan on spending the rest of my life there…working with and for them.”

In addition to Challenger-7 Recognition for Janet’s Planet, three of the campers—Jay Jay Hamilton, Alex Keehn, and Miles Zuczek—received a scholarship to attend the U.S. Space and Rocket Center camp next summer in Huntsville, Alabama. Each scholarship covers the full cost of camp.

All three organizations at the ceremony—Challenger Center, Janet’s Planet, and Montgomery County Community College—spoke to the need for collaboration to reach students. Just like any real space mission, working together is the key to achieving great things. It’s a lesson in teamwork that the newly graduated Astronaut Academy class is unlikely to forget.