Challenger Learning Center of Dayton Awarded the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Innovation in Education

Washington D.C. (September 5, 2024) – Challenger Center has recognized Challenger Learning Center of Dayton with the 2024 Arthur C. Clarke Award for Innovation in Education for their work with high school senior Alex Pettit to create an interactive aerospace timeline in their main hallway.

Pettit originally approached the Center with the idea in order to complete her Gold Award, which is the highest award an individual can earn in Girl Scouts. The project involved making the Center’s hallway, which is over 60 feet long and 18 meters high, look like the inside of a space vehicle while also showcasing major events throughout aerospace history.

“Collaborating with Alex to enhance Challenger Learning Center of Dayton and support her pursuit of the Gold Award is a stellar example of how our Centers positively impact their communities,” said Lisa Vernal, Vice President of Communications at Challenger Center. “The interactive aerospace timeline will inspire and educate students who visit for years to come. We are proud to celebrate this shared achievement and success.”

It took Pettit, Challenger Learning Center staff, and 25 additional volunteers over 300 hours to complete the timeline, which includes hand-drawn images, 3D models of various space and aircrafts, and a tribute to the Challenger STS-51L Crew.

“Alex has gone above and beyond our expectations,” said Avril Gedman, Director of Challenger Learning Center of Dayton. “This unique project now allows the Center staff to discuss important events in aerospace history with our 3rd grade students who visit our Center, and helps further immerse these students in their Challenger experience.”

Each year, the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Innovation in Education recognizes a Challenger Learning Center that has implemented a new, innovative program or project that impacts student learning, supports teachers, and/or promotes creativity. The award was presented during Challenger Center’s 2024 Annual Conference. Challenger Learning Center of Dayton receives $400 as part of this year’s award. Award nominations were made by Challenger Learning Centers across the country. Read more about the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Innovation here.

About Challenger Center

As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually 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, Twitter, and LinkedIn.