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L3Harris Technologies to Fund Space Foundation STEM Programs at Six Prince George’s County Maryland Schools in January

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 23, 2020) – Thanks to funding by L3Harris Technologies, the Space Foundation will present its Space in the Community (SITC) program at six Prince George’s County Public Schools (Maryland) Jan. 29 – 31.

SITC is an immersive program for students, parents, teachers, and community members to reinforce the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies in preparing for the careers of the future.

A goal of the L3Harris collaboration with the Space Foundation is to interest students in considering STEM careers and taking courses in high school that will position them to successfully pursue STEM studies in college.

“STEM grants provided by L3Harris enable students across the country to learn more about and be inspired by space,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “In the past 10 years, we’ve dedicated more than $22 million to support STEM education projects and we’re looking forward to continuing this initiative in the future.”

“STEM education is a valuable investment that Prince George’s County Public Schools is committed to furthering through this great opportunity,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools. “We know that getting our students engaged in STEM subjects will play a vital role in developing future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians for our innovative workforce. For this reason, we are excited for the opportunity to help our students and staff become inspired and build new skills.”

The Space Foundation program will bring former NASA astronaut Col. Paul S. Lockhart, USAF (Ret.), to schools to share with students his experiences in space. Lockhart’s inspirational presentation will inform students about the connection between education and exciting future career opportunities.

The schools chosen for the presentations are:

  • Indian Queen Elementary School
  • Oxon Hill Middle School
  • DuVal High School
  • Thomas Johnson Middle School
  • Glenn Dale Elementary School
  • Oxon Hill High School

In addition to the astronaut presentations, Space Foundation educators will lead students through hands-on STEM activities, such as basic rocketry. The program will also include professional development training for Prince George’s County educators, and a free public community night at Oxon Hill High School on Jan. 31 starting at 6:00 p.m., with the astronaut presentation at 6:30 p.m.

The Space Foundation is working with its members, partners, and supporters to build the next generation of space explorers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. These efforts include enhancing the overall quality of education through teacher, student, and community programs that use space themes to increase students’ interest and skills in STEM disciplines.

Learn more about the Space Foundation’s STEM education outreach and Space in the Community at www.discoverspace.org/education.

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. It is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere®, and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office, as well as field representatives in Houston and on the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space Certification™ and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both websites — www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org — and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Prince George’s County Public Schools
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation’s 25 largest school districts, has 206 schools and centers, more than 134,000 students, and 22,000 employees. Under the leadership of Dr. Monica Goldson, the school system serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban, and rural communities located in the Washington, D.C., suburbs. PGCPS is nationally recognized for college and career-readiness programs that provide students with unique learning opportunities, including dual enrollment and language immersion.

About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $17 billion in annual revenue and 50,000 employees, with customers in 130 countries. L3Harris.com.

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Space Foundation contact:
Carol Hively, Director – Public Relations & Team Communications
[email protected]


Posted in Discover Space