Montgomery County Community College and Challenger Center, a nonprofit science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education organization, announce the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown opened on Friday, August 26. The site will offer a variety of hands-on STEM programs, with the core being its simulated space-themed missions for students in grades 5-8. The opening event included a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from Montco and Challenger Center leaders, and tours of the center.

“At Montgomery County Community College, we’re proud of the role we play in connecting students of all ages to innovative and inspiring learning experiences,” said Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President. “Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown offers a state-of-the-art destination for kids throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania to discover a passion for learning and STEM skills through exciting space simulations and out-of-this-world educational experiences that directly connect to national science standards. Mustang gratitude is extended to the Pottstown School District for being our inaugural partner in this high impact endeavor.”

Challenger Learning Center at Montgomery County Community College is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, joining a network of Centers that have reached nearly 6 million children around the world. Focused on inspiring and engaging students in grades 5-8, Challenger Learning Center serves as a regional hub of innovative STEM learning experiences where students of all backgrounds embark on simulated space missions in a fully immersive Spacecraft and Mission Control, working together to run hands-on experiments and solve tough problems, as well as Virtual Missions held in their classrooms. Every student has a role to play, building confidence in their own abilities and demonstrating the power of teamwork. Challenger Learning Center missions create “jobs” for students to spark ongoing STEM engagement, college STEM-degree exploration, pathways to STEM internships, apprenticeships and careers, and workforce development.

“We are so excited for the opening of the first Challenger Learning Center in Pennsylvania,” said Lance Bush, Challenger Center President and CEO. “When partnering with communities, we look for organizations with similar missions and visions for education. We seek opportunities to collaborate with leading organizations that can connect students, teachers, and parents in their communities in meaningful and impactful ways, and Montgomery County Community College is a perfect partner in that regard. Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown furthers our mission to empower students to discover endless possibilities in STEM.”

Montgomery County is a hub of education, consisting of 22 public schools with a diverse student population. One of the many goals for the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown is to serve students in traditionally underserved populations and increase their interest in STEM. In its first year of operation, the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown aspires to serve approximately 7,000 students in grades 5-8, with at least 50% of students from underrepresented and underserved student populations.

Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown - Community Grand Opening

Challenger Learning Center celebrated its launch by hosting a grand opening celebration for all community members on Saturday, Aug. 27. The festivities started with a 5K Space Race and Walk on the Schuylkill River Trail adjacent to the Challenger Learning Center facility. The College's mascot, Monty, cheered on the runners and walkers, who received a Challenger-themed t-shirt. President Bastecki-Perez, Vice President of the Pottstown Campus and Educational Partnerships Therol Dix and Director of Educational Engagement and Innovation Kevin Orangers congratulated the winners and participants. Proceeds from the race will benefit student scholarships.

Following the race/walk, tours of Challenger Learning Center started and more than 300 people learned about the immersive, hands-on science program that virtually takes students to the moon while teaching them leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills. The excitement thoughout the site was contagious, as children bounded from station to station, eager to try the various tasks and report their findings to mission control.

Outside in Riverfront Park, community partners participated in the event with information tents, including Cub Scout Pack 146, Foundation for Pottstown Education, Gypsy Dreaming & Counting Stars, Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center, Pottstown Community Action, Pottstown FARM, Pottstown GoFourth Inc., Pottstown Public Library, Pottstown YMCA, Rotary Club of Pottstown, Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, The STRIVE Initiative and YWCA Tri-County Area. MCCC volunteers were on hand to talk about Challenger mission, fall academic programs and how to register. Visitors also had the opportunity to look through MCCC's solar telescopes. 

Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown is open for missions. To register, visit the web page.