Archived Information

The Space Day^SM^ Foundation

At the start of the new millennium, there are scientific, technological
and economic challenges that call for a highly skilled, technologically
literate workforce. There is a need to prepare students to meet the
challenges of the new millennium. One factor that is often missing from
our educational equation is the kind of real-life, hands-on involvement
that can stir students' imaginations and inspire them to participate in
the scientific process.

The Space Day Foundation, a 501(c)3 operating foundation, supports
education initiatives, which use space as a motivating vehicle, aimed at
contributing to the goal of inspiring student involvement in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. The Foundation's education
initiatives are aimed at preparing students for the excitement and
challenges faced by the workforce of the future. Student achievement is
recognized and celebrated each year on Space Day. The Space Day
Foundation serves as a forum for bringing together the best and
brightest minds from business and industry, government and education to
focus resources and efforts to achieve these strategic goals.

The Space Day Foundation is guided by a distinguished Council of
Advisors composed of leaders in the fields of aerospace, education,
science, business and government. Co-chairing the Council are Senator
John Glenn and Dr. Vance D. Coffman, chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin
Corporation \-- both of whom consider the advancement of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics education to be a national
priority. Senator Glenn and Dr. Coffman also serve as co-chairs of Space
Day, the award-winning educational initiative created to celebrate the
achievements of our space pioneers and inspire the next generation of
inventors and explorers to follow their lead.

The Space Day Foundation, in collaboration with Challenger Center for
Space Science Education, sponsors the Space Day *Design Challenges.*
Interdisciplinary in nature, this exciting program encourages children
to think like scientists and engineers. They are engaged in solving
modern space-related problems, employing concepts in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics as part of their design project.
Teachers and students use the Web to connect directly with some of the
best minds in science and engineering from government, business and
education.

The Space Day Foundation also sponsors Space Day^SM^. First launched in
1997, Space Day -- which takes place each year on the first Thursday of
May --is a massive grassroots effort dedicated to the extraordinary
achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of
space. International in scope, this initiative involves thousands of
teachers and students in dozens of countries around the globe.

Highlighting every Space Day celebration are local activities in schools
and communities. Simulated space missions; special appearances by
astronauts, educators and space experts; planetarium shows and museum
exhibits; field trips and space games all reflect the enthusiasm and
energy this annual event inspires. Space Day is also a forum for
honoring the year-long achievement of students. Mayors and governors
across the U.S. and Canada have issued official proclamations
recognizing the importance of this unique initiative.

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Sharing in the adventure is an ever-expanding array of active,
enthusiastic Space Day Partners and Associates. These diverse groups,
including local school districts and policy-makers at every level of
government, members of the business community and international
education, youth, space and science organizations, play a crucial role
in bringing the excitement of Space Day to their constituents, members,
colleagues and peers.