Anniston, AL — The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama has announced a new partnership with The Donoho School that will provide immersive STEM education and simulated space missions for students each year. The agreement marks Donoho as the first school to enter an annual programming partnership with the new Challenger Learning Center, which is currently under construction in Rainbow City.
Dr. Farrah Hayes, Executive Director of the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama, described the experience awaiting students once the facility opens. “Students will fly simulated space missions in a fully immersive environment that includes a mission control, a space station, transport and briefing rooms, and interactive STEM labs,” Hayes said. “Our goal is to ignite curiosity and build confidence in every student who walks through our doors.”
Through this collaboration, every fifth grader at Donoho will participate annually in a simulated mission as part of their curriculum. The center will also feature robotics programs and engineering labs designed to connect classroom learning with real-world science and technology applications.
During the announcement, Dr. Hayes and Donoho Head of School Dr. Shannon Noone spoke with students about the history of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew. Hayes shared that after the tragedy, the families of the “Challenger Seven” founded the Challenger Center organization to inspire students through space-based STEM education. “Our mission is to carry forward their legacy — to keep exploring, keep learning, and keep reaching for the stars,” she said.
Once completed, the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama will serve public and private schools across 12 counties, offering mission simulations and hands-on STEM programming to thousands of students each year. The center will be the 34th Challenger Learning Center in the world, with a projected opening date of January 28, 2026 — the 40th anniversary of the Challenger mission.
“Our partnership with The Donoho School represents the beginning of an exciting journey,” Hayes added. “Together, we’re preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers, and innovators right here in Northeast Alabama.”
The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama is part of the international Challenger Center network, founded by the families of the Challenger STS-51L crew. Located in Rainbow City, Alabama, the center will provide hands-on STEM education, simulated space missions, and workforce development opportunities for students across the region.
