Rainbow City, AL – On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Governor Kay Ivey joined local officials and community leaders in a historic groundbreaking ceremony for the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama, the first of its kind in the state. The center, located in Rainbow City, marks a major step forward for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in Alabama, with the facility set to open in 2026.
Governor Ivey, who provided keynote remarks at the event, highlighted the vital role STEM education plays in preparing students for future careers. “This groundbreaking is more than just a physical construction project—it’s a foundation for Alabama’s future,” said Ivey. “Our children will have the chance to engage with the cutting-edge technology and experiences that will spark their curiosity and equip them for 21st-century jobs.”
The Challenger Learning Center is the result of a partnership between the Challenger Center Program, a global nonprofit that has inspired over 6 million students through STEM education, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA). Together, they worked to bring Alabama its first center after two years of meticulous planning.
The Rainbow City center will offer space-themed, hands-on learning experiences designed to engage students in STEM subjects in an immersive, interactive environment. The facility is modeled after NASA’s Mission Control and Space Station setup, with specialized simulators including a Briefing Room, Transport Room, Mission Control, and Space Station. These learning environments will allow students to work together on simulated space missions that emphasize collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Tony Smith, Chairman of the Advisory Council, praised the community’s support for the initiative and expressed his excitement about the future of the center. “This center is not just a field trip destination; it’s a hub for engaging, real-world learning that applies STEM concepts in ways that excite and challenge students,” said Smith. “We’re proud to see the construction begin today and look forward to the impact it will have on our region.”
The facility will also include three classrooms that can accommodate up to 40 students each, providing ample space for various STEM programs that complement classroom instruction.
The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama will serve students from a wide regional area, including Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega, and Jefferson counties. It aims to be a key resource for STEM education, offering students the chance to engage with technology and concepts that are critical to success in today’s job market.
The project was designed and engineered by Trent Thrasher Construction, in collaboration with the national Challenger Center organization based in Washington, D.C. The center will be part of a global network of over 30 Challenger Learning Centers, all of which have a mission to inspire and educate students through unique, hands-on learning experiences.
In her remarks, Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of investments like the Challenger Learning Center for Alabama’s long-term economic growth and workforce development. “By empowering our young people with the skills and experiences they need in science and technology, we are ensuring that Alabama remains competitive on the global stage,” she said.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured a large turnout of community members, business leaders, and elected officials who expressed their enthusiasm for the project. The Challenger Learning Center in Rainbow City is expected to become a cornerstone of the region’s efforts to enhance STEM education and provide students with opportunities to explore careers in science, engineering, and technology.
With construction now underway, the Challenger Learning Center is scheduled to open its doors in 2026, welcoming students from across the region to embark on a journey of discovery and innovation.
