STEM Education programs at the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska has received continued support from Marathon Petroleum Corporation, which, for the past 12 years, supported the center. This school year, Marathon is sponsoring simulated missions or virtual workshops for 5th and 6th graders in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. The donation is $30,000, which covers 25 fully funded classes.
Marnie Olcott with the Challenger Learning Center spoke with KSRM:
“It covers 25 classes and because of the situation with the pandemic, we’ve, last year and again this year, given the teachers the option of coming in house or one of our simulated space missions, kind of our flagship program that we do here at the Challenger Learning Center, or choosing to do one of our virtual programs when they schedule what their comfort level is, what is being allowed currently, given current mandates and things like that. It will cover 25 classes, which will translate up to 800 kids coming into the center or participating in some way through a challenger learning program.”
Olcott spoke on the relationship with Marathon Petroleum:
“It’s fantastic. It takes a burden off of fundraising and things like that for the local teachers and allows them to be able to come and experience what the challenger learning center has to offer as far as STEM education. Obviously, it was a huge component of teamwork and communication and soft skills as well. It’s been a great partnership over the years.”
Olcott says that Marathon Petroleum’s ongoing partnership with the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska has an enormous impact, fostering self-confidence in students, encouraging them to pursue their passions, and aspire for higher educational goals.
Teachers looking to participate can call Challenger Learning Center of Alaska to book their 5th or 6th grade class, call (907) 283-2000. To view missions and virtual topics, click here.