The Challenger Learning Center is seeking funding from the City of Kenai to accommodate distance learning students, with expanded virtual programs being offered at no cost to students. Their aim is to fill the gap created when local schools close to in-student learning. The decision will be discussed during the Wednesday, November 4, Kenai City Council meeting.
Challenger Learning and its global network of Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
In a memo to the City Council, City Manager Paul Ostrander noted that the Challenger Center has developed virtual learning programs that enable them to deliver valuable programs to students remotely. However, they are being impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. To allow them to continue to develop and provide these virtual programs through the remainder of the year, the Center reached out to the City of Kenai to request a grant utilizing CARES Act funding. Their request includes operational costs of $30,000 per month for the months of October through December, and additionally, $10,000 for materials and shipping.
The Challenger Center aims to show the youth of the peninsula what is possible if they pursue a future in science, and even more by focusing on the overall growth that comes with STEM education. They work to enrich the lives of area youth solely through volunteerism and contributions.
Anyone interested in contributing or seeing what programs are being featured at the Challenger Center are invited to visit them online at AKChallenger.org.
The Kenai City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4, at 6:00 p.m. at the Kenai City Council Chambers. For those wishing to participate virtually, the meeting will be available using the Zoom online platform. Click here to join at 6:00 p.m., using Meeting ID: 860 5860 8095, with Passcode: 772639. Parties can also dial-in via telephone, using the same Meeting ID and Passcode, at (253) 215-8782 or (301) 715-8592.