Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced they are accepting nominations for the 2023 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. The annual award celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Nominations can be submitted to aiaa.org/TrailblazingSTEMEducatorAward through December 15, 2022.
Three winners will be selected from the nominations. Each winner and their respective school or organization will be awarded $5,000 each and receive free access to Challenger Center’s STEM education programs, along with a trip to Washington, DC, to be honored at the 2023 AIAA Awards Gala, as well as a special presentation ceremony at their school. The winners also will have the opportunity to attend a space launch experience.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s STEM explorers and innovators. But first, we must ignite and foster their interest. Teachers are the catalyst for nurturing that potential,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO of Challenger Center. “We’re thrilled to partner with AIAA to recognize our country’s most inspiring STEM education trailblazers—teachers who are going above and beyond to bring STEM experiences to life for their students and get them excited for the world of possibilities that STEM careers offer.”
“Educators are invaluable to our communities. We share a commitment with Challenger Center to support trailblazing educators because they are the link and clear force multiplier to inspiring our future workforce,” said Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA. “We need a diverse and robust STEM next generation who use what they learn today to innovate and invent tomorrow. We can’t wait to recognize passionate and inspirational educators who spark students’ interest in STEM subjects, especially the science and engineering behind aerospace.”
The award was launched in 2021 and first presented in 2022 to recognize teachers who connect classroom lessons to the country’s current and future plans of STEM exploration and innovation, introduce students to STEM careers, and activate students’ imagination about space exploration.
The U.S. aerospace and defense industry leads the world in innovation, while still facing challenges of staffing a properly skilled and qualified workforce. Crucial gaps in diversity, equity, and inclusion must be addressed – more STEM-literate graduates are needed, greater participation is needed by women and ethnic minorities, and early retirements are creating a growing knowledge gap.
