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Fundraising campaign donor reception to preview updates to Challenger Learning Center at WKCTC

Paducah, KY (08/20/2024) — What: Explore Space Campaign Donor Reception

Where: Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

When: August 22, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Contact: Mellisa Duncan, Director, Challenger Learning Center, mellisa.duncan@kctcs.edu / 270.534.3097

On August 22, donors and the public are invited to a reception celebrating the success of the Explore Space Campaign at the Challenger Learning Center (CLC) at Paducah. Those attending will be given the opportunity to preview the newly renovated Mission Control and Spacecraft.

For more than 20 years, the CLC has been inspiring students to reach for the stars in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with the mission to improve the quality of STEM education by providing opportunities for all in the region to participate in quality real-life experiences, attain knowledge, and become life-long learners.

Over the last year, the CLC has sought to continue that mission by raising money through its Explore Space Campaign to provide state-of-the-art upgrades so that new generations of students will have access to STEM education. Financial donations and pledges have been matched by a $250,000 gift from Paducah Junior College (PJC), the foundation of WKCTC, bringing the campaign nearly to the $500,000 goal.

"We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors and community members who have supported the Explore Space Campaign. Their contributions have been instrumental in bringing these state-of-the-art upgrades to life at the Challenger Learning Center. Together, we are inspiring the next generation of students and continuing to make a lasting impact in STEM education for our region," said Andy Wilson, Vice President of Advancement at WKCTC.

"Through the CLC, students and adults can fly to the moon, Mars or search for comets," said CLC Director Mellisa Duncan. "The generosity of our donors-many of whom have a direct connection to the CLC through their children or own experience-enables us to provide students with even better STEM opportunities and a new, modern look."

She added that seeing the old equipment being removed was a sentimental moment for her and the CLC staff. "The original Mission Control has flown some 150,000 students," she said. "But we can now look forward to giving our regional students an inspiring experience in our updated space."

"I want to extend my deepest thanks to the community and our team at the Challenger Learning Center, especially Director Mellisa Duncan and her dedicated staff. Their commitment to completing these exciting upgrades while continuing to host summer camps and events is a testament to their passion for what they do. Their hard work ensures that students in our region have access to a world-class learning experience, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished together," said Dr. Anton Reece, President of WKCTC.

Donations to the Explore Space Campaign have so far provided the following:

Audiovisual Upgrades: All classrooms received new audiovisual upgrades, including computers and projection systems. Mission Control has a new state-of-the-art interactive display system to enhance missions and other STEM programs. Simulator Upgrades: New computer hardware has been installed to provide up-to-date software capabilities, allowing the CLC to run the most current mission scenarios. Upgrades include a total rewiring, new computers, monitors, switches, robotic arms, and a camera system. Mission Control received a complete structural renovation to appear similar to the current NASA mission control.

Additional needs remain in the Explore Space Campaign, specifically to fund upcoming missions in the next three years through sponsorships. This funding will provide more than 4,000 students (135 missions) with the opportunity to attend unique STEM programming at the CLC. There is still time to donate using this link.

The CLC is located on the WKCTC campus. For more information about the Explore Space Campaign, visit clcpaducah.org.

About WKCTC:

West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and flexible education to meet the needs of our community. We offer a wide range of programs and services to support student success and workforce development.

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