HAMMOND — The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana has received $963,000 in federal funding to upgrade and install newly designed mission control simulators, as the center looks to bolster and expand its educational programming and outreach for K-12 students.
The funding is part of the $16 million in Community Project funding secured by U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, for several projects throughout the Region.
As part of the project, new mission control simulators will be installed with advanced simulation software, communication systems and user interfaces; upgrades will be made to its existing simulator to improve computing, audio and visual systems and overall functionally. Additionally, updates with be made to the center’s furnishing to mirror actual mission control centers in the space industry.
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The congressman was present for a press conference on Friday to announce the disbursement of funds for the Challenger Learning Center, located on Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond campus.
PNW Chancellor Kenneth “Chris” Holford speaking with U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan before a press conference at the Challenger Learning Center on Friday.
Mrvan highlighted the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and said he and his staff would continue to try to secure federal resources for Northwest Indiana in order to create opportunities for students.
“Northwest Indiana is ready for liftoff,” Mrvan said. “It’s starting to invest not only in students, but in STEM.”
PNW Chancellor Kenneth “Chris” Holford said the university was proud to host the Challenger Learning Center since its inception in 1999, and praised the partnership between the two entities, saying both had benefited from it.
Some local school superintendents were at the announcement, including Lake Central School Corp.’s Larry Verraco, and School Town of Munster’s Bret Heller.
Verraco said students from his district visit the center each year and they’ve enjoyed the experience.
“When students can learn a lot and have fun, we consider that great,” he said. “The other piece we really like about it, is it exposes our kids to lots of different things.”
Challenger Learning Center Executive Director Lara Bates speaking during a press conference announcing the center had secured $963,000 in federal funding for upgrades and installation of mission control simulators.
According to Lara Bates, the executive director of the Challenger Learning Center, around 15,000 students visit the center each year on average.
She said the center receiving the funding was a momentous occasion.
“It is truly a game changer. It has been 25 years since the original investment of the center,” said Bates.
Work on the project is expected to begin in August, with installation of the new equipment taking place in September. Students will then begin using the new simulators in October.
