#United States #NASA #STEM Education #Englewood #Colorado SKIES Academy

Two Educators from Colorado SKIES Academy Selected for NASA LiftOff Summer Institute 2025

Colorado SKIES Academy, an innovative aerospace-focused charter school in Englewood, Colorado, has great news to share. Two of its remarkable teachers, Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper, have been chosen to participate in the highly esteemed LiftOff Summer Institute 2025. This event, taking place in Houston, Texas, from June 23 to June 27, 2025, is designed to empower educators nationwide with new insights into space education and innovation.

The LiftOff Summer Institute is a prestigious professional development opportunity hosted by NASA's Texas Space Grant Consortium in collaboration with the Center for Space Research at The University of Texas at Austin. During this week-long immersive experience, Mary and Craig will have the unique chance to engage directly with experts from NASA, including scientists and engineers. This engagement will include facility tours, hands-on STEM activities, and access to valuable curriculum resources aimed at bringing real-world aerospace experiences into their classrooms.

A Commitment to STEM Education

Both selected educators embody the spirit of curiosity and innovation that Colorado SKIES Academy promotes among its students. Meredith Motley, the Campus Director, expressed her pride, saying, "Mary and Craig exemplify the spirit of innovation and curiosity we strive to cultivate in our students. We are incredibly proud of their dedication to advancing STEM education, and we can't wait to see how they bring this inspiring experience back to enrich our learning community."

The program not only highlights their individual talents but allows them to join an elite group of educators who are committed to transforming science and engineering education through real-world connections to space exploration. As they share their journey on social media using the hashtags #NASABound and @CSREducationAndOutreach on various platforms, they inspire many within their community and beyond.

Supporting Their Journey

Thanks to the generous support from the Colorado Space Grant Consortium, Mary and Craig’s participation in this prestigious institute will be fully funded. This support covers accommodations, meals, local transportation, and necessary tours, ensuring that these educators can focus entirely on this invaluable learning opportunity without financial constraints.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with Colorado SKIES Academy's mission to ignite a passion for learning, particularly through an aerospace-based curriculum that prepares students for success in high school, college, and careers within STEM fields. The institution is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where learners can think critically, collaborate effectively, and pursue their dreams.

The Future of Education

The selection of Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper for this program not only benefits them personally and professionally but is a testament to the high standards and dedication to STEM education present at Colorado SKIES Academy. The skills that they will bring back will undoubtedly enhance the learning experiences of students at the academy, further propelling them on their educational journeys.

In closing, the participation of these two outstanding teachers in the NASA LiftOff Summer Institute 2025 is a celebration of achievement and a stepping stone toward inspiring future generations of learners. Through their commitment and dedication to education, they are sure to leave a lasting impact not only on their students but on the wider community as well.