Students to Launch

Students to Launch Header

Students to Launch - Empowering the Next Generation of Space Explorers.

Long Island Explorium recognized as a NASA Community Anchor and proud participant in the AIAA-sponsored Students to Launch program.

Introduction

In 2022, the Long Island Explorium earned recognition as a NASA Community Anchor—an acknowledgment of our commitment to delivering impactful, hands-on STEM education. This distinction opened the door to our involvement in Students to Launch, sponsored by AIAA. Through this extraordinary program, we connected local students with immersive aerospace experiences, from interactive design challenges at our STEM Hub event to witnessing a historic rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center.

Recognizing Our Partnerships and Community Impact A Community Anchor Lifting Others Up Through Students to Launch:

  • NASA Community Anchor Grant: Celebrating organizations that bridge communities and science through meaningful learning.
  • AIAA-Sponsored Students to Launch: A transformative initiative that brings the excitement of aerospace exploration directly to young learners, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
  • Collaborative Network: With support from Griffin Communications, renowned STEM educators, and special guests like Discovery Channel’s Josh Bernstein, we delivered experiences that expanded students’ horizons and provided authentic industry insights.

Mike Kincaid

NASA’s associate administrator for STEM engagement

“NASA has bold, long-term goals, so it’s critically important that we reach students where they are and create opportunities for them to experience those feelings of discovery and confidence that STEM engagement is really all about.

The Community Anchor Awards will help us reach a diverse audience while sharing and supporting NASA’s missions and future plans.”

From Local STEM Hub to Launch Pad of Inspiration

Students to Launch Begins at Home:

In November 2022, we hosted a Students to Launch STEM Hub event that placed students into real-world engineering and leadership roles. As project managers, communicators, and engineers, they collaborated to design and test a specialized “sock” to protect an astronaut’s foot, using robotic sensors under simulated space conditions.

This initial, hands-on challenge ignited curiosity and built confidence, helping students—from districts such as Riverhead, Rocky Point, and Comsewogue—envision themselves thriving in aerospace fields.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey to the Kennedy Space Center Students to Launch Takes Flight:

This past June, the excitement soared as we traveled with 25 students and chaperones to Florida’s Space Coast. Thanks to Students to Launch, these participants:

  • Explored the Vehicle Assembly Building and the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch pad—places that few get to see up close.
  • Met NASA scientists, engineers, and content experts who shared firsthand insights into the missions shaping our understanding of Earth and beyond.
  • Enjoyed exclusive tours at the Kennedy Visitor Complex, gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective of operations critical to American spaceflight.
  • Witnessed the spectacular launch of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the GOES-U satellite—feeling the ground shake, hearing the thunderous roar, and watching two boosters return to land in a display of engineering prowess.

For many, this was more than a trip; it was a vivid demonstration that their dreams of contributing to aerospace are not out of reach but are well within their grasp.

The Lasting Impact of Students to Launch Broadening Horizons, Fueling Futures:

Students to Launch represents more than a single event—it’s a catalyst for change. By bridging classroom concepts with real-world applications, this program empowers students who may face limited access to STEM opportunities. They returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the idea that space exploration, aerospace careers, and cutting-edge innovation are paths they, too, can pursue.

Get Involved & Keep the Momentum Going (Calls to Action) Be Part of the Students to Launch Story:

  • Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Stay informed about upcoming Students to Launch programs, special events, and new opportunities to ignite young minds.
  • Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to help us bring transformative, hands-on STEM experiences to more students, especially those in underrepresented communities.
  • Volunteer Your Expertise: If you’re a STEM professional, educator, or enthusiast, join our volunteer network. Your guidance can spark the next generation of aerospace leaders.
  • Invite Students to Join Us: Encourage the youth in your community to participate in future Students to Launch workshops, summer camps, and immersive educational events.

Building a STRONGER tomorrow. Enriching and empowering lives through STEM.

Founded in 2005, the Long Island Explorium is committed to the development of programs and exhibits deeply rooted in research and evidence-based practice. Our programs are aligned with NYSSLS, ELA, Math, and Social Studies Standards.

The impact of the pandemic will be felt well into 2021 and beyond. We are counting on your continued investment in our mission to move forward. Your financial support will allow us to link adults, kids, and families together in ways illustrating that ideas, inspiration, hard work, and the failing-forward spirit result in amazing things.

For the past 15 years, we have burned a bright torch that illuminated the wonders, opportunities, and hope that science can hold for our future generations. The pandemic has dimmed our bright torch, but with your support, we look forward to burning brightly again and continuing to scale up our impact on all those who visit the Explorium and participate in our programs.

Please consider a donation to the Explorium by visiting our Support Page https://longislandexplorium.org/support-us/

Please view our Visit Us page to learn more about our reopening and enhanced protocols, https://longislandexplorium.org/visit-us/