Inside the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown, children get to experience a world beyond their familiar neighborhoods. During the space missions, students assume various roles as astronauts or in mission control, working collaboratively to overcome outer space challenges and celebrate their achievements.

Seeing students so fully engrossed in exploring the universe inspired one Pottstown couple to make this valuable STEM opportunity available for many Pottstown students.

Thanks to a generous gift to Montgomery County Community College’s Foundation, William (Bill) Lowa, III, and his wife, Lisa Carideo Lowa, have ensured that all fifth through eighth-grade students in the Pottstown School District will have access to these enriching space missions for four years.

“It’s so exciting to see the students go through the different steps and procedures, takeoff in the rocket simulator and work at the different stations,” said Bill Lowa, when he visited the Challenger Learning Center. “It’s amazing to watch their expressions and reactions.” 

“This is an incredible opportunity for them,” added Lisa, who is a former teacher. “The students are curious and focused. Every child is engaged in some capacity through the different roles they hold. It is very impressive to see.”

This transformative gift will have an indelible impact on numerous young minds, fueling their interest in science, technology, engineering and math as well as laying the foundation for pursuing higher education pathways at MCCC.

“I graduated from Montco in 1974, so it has a special place in my heart,” said Bill, who holds an associate’s degree in political science. “I served on the Foundation Board for several years [1999-2008] and was the chair for 2007-2008.”

In April, MCCC’s Foundation inducted Bill into the Dundore Society in recognition of his commitment and support to the College and its mission. The Dundore Society is named after Dwight A. Dundore, the first chair of the College’s Foundation Board and one of the College’s first trustees.

In addition to his ties to Montco, Bill also has deep connections to the Pottstown community. He grew up in nearby Limerick and moved to Pottstown in 1981. In 1985, his insurance business, The Lowa Group, Inc., opened and has served numerous community members since that time.

“The Pottstown community has been very good to the business, and we’ve tried to give back over the years, supporting the July 4^th festival and other Borough efforts. Through this gift, I wanted to leave a legacy for the community,” he said.

“The College is helping the community to grow, and the Challenger Learning Center will help to draw more people. The location in the former PECO building is perfect next to the Pottstown Riverfront Park,” he added.

Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown 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. Since it opened in August 2022, nearly 7,500 children have participated in the hands-on missions. For more information, visit the web page.

For more details about making a gift, contact the Montgomery County Community College Foundation at 215-641-6324 or foundation@mc3.edu.