Rainbow City, AL – Challenger Center, a renowned nonprofit organization specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, is joining forces with the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA) to introduce a new Challenger Learning Center in Rainbow City, Etowah County. This initiative aims to provide cutting-edge STEM experiences to students from public and private schools across 12 counties in Alabama, including Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega.
“We are thrilled to bring a Challenger Learning Center to Alabama and offer their students our exceptional STEM experiences,” stated Lisa Vernal, Vice President of Communications and Center Relations at Challenger Center. “For over 38 years, we’ve been dedicated to igniting curiosity in STEM fields through our programs. We eagerly anticipate extending this opportunity to Alabama and contributing to their efforts in shaping the future workforce.”
The collaboration between CFNEA and a local Alabama Advisory Council has been pivotal in realizing the Challenger Learning Center project, recognizing the critical role of meaningful STEM education in fostering a robust workforce.
Barry A. Cherry, Chairman of the Advisory Council, emphasized the significance of community support and legislative backing in making this project a reality. “The Advisory Council and our partners are committed to providing a unique learning facility that aligns with Alabama’s educational and workforce initiatives,” Cherry noted. “Securing a $2.4 million Congressionally Directed Spending award, through the efforts of Congressman Robert Aderholt, further strengthens our plans for the Challenger Learning Center.”
Jennifer S. Maddox, President & CEO of CFNEA, highlighted the extensive collaboration involved in launching the center. “The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama is proud to support this endeavor financially and operationally,” Maddox stated. “This STEM center represents a collective effort involving legislators, local governments, businesses, and Challenger Center staff to benefit children across Alabama.”
Joining a global network of Challenger Learning Centers that have impacted over 6 million children worldwide, the new center will feature hands-on STEM programs centered around simulated space-themed missions. These activities will take place in fully immersive environments including Space Station, Mission Control, Transport, and Briefing Rooms.
Construction of the Challenger Learning Center is slated to commence in fall 2024, with a targeted grand opening set for late 2025.
About the Challenger Learning Center Advisory Council Formed in 2022, the Advisory Council comprises 15 business leaders collaborating to ensure the feasibility and success of the Challenger Learning Center in Northeast Alabama. Their roles include fundraising, garnering stakeholder support, and overseeing the center’s application and construction processes.
About the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama The CFNEA utilizes donor contributions to establish funds that benefit the community indefinitely. Each year, CFNEA awards millions of dollars in grants and scholarships across nine counties in Northeast Alabama, fulfilling philanthropic goals and fostering positive change for future generations.
For more information about the Challenger Center and CFNEA’s partnership, visit www.challenger.org and www.cfnea.org.
