Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling University

Imagine! Inspire! Explore!

What started out as a tragedy on a frigid Florida morning on Jan. 28, 1986, has turned into a monumental educational triumph. The Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which serves as a living legacy to the seven astronauts lost on the space shuttle Challenger, for more than a quarter century has used science and math to help students build the skills most needed for the 21st century, including decision making, teamwork, problem solving, and communication.

The Challenger Learning Center in Wheeling opened in 1994 and is one of 48 centers worldwide. Since our founding we have reached more than 350,000 students and adult learners. Each year more than 30,000 students fly missions either here on site in Wheeling or via videoconferencing through our e-Missions™ program. Our Challenger Learning Center has been honored repeatedly at the annual awards conference in three categories: Most Students Served, Most Missions Flown, and Most Teachers Trained.

During a two-hour mission, participants serve on one of eight teams in mission control or on the space station. Merging the power of imagination with the excitement of discovery, students become engineers and scientists as they simulate a space mission. The experience provides students along with teachers and adult learners with simulations that emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.

With the addition of the Micronauts program, Wheeling is the only Challenger Center whose Micronauts program has its own exhibit hall. This colorful and vibrant exploratorium invites younger children, those in grades K-3, to experience a variety of hands-on activities that will spur their interest in science and math and the joy of learning.

Meet our Team

The leadership, staff, and flight directors at Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling University transform lives through their unwavering dedication to inspiring students. By creating immersive, hands-on and distance learning experiences, they empower young minds to explore and embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Their commitment to fostering curiosity and critical thinking helps students build confidence and develop skills essential for future success, ensuring that every learner leaves with a renewed passion for discovery and a belief in their potential to achieve greatness.