#United States #Brownsville #Space Prize Foundation #CSTEM Education

Space Prize Foundation Launches Education Equity Initiative

On February 20, 2026, the Space Prize Foundation announced the launch of a groundbreaking education equity initiative. This program is designed specifically for students and families in Brownsville, Texas, who face challenges in accessing quality educational resources, particularly in the fields of space exploration and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

In collaboration with the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB), the initiative will provide immersive learning experiences to more than 500 second-grade students and their families from some of the most economically disadvantaged schools in the district. The program offers students exclusive access to visit the museum's highlight exhibition, "SpaceX Boca Chica to Mars," which showcases the frontiers of space innovation right in their local community.

During these experiential activities, students and their guardians will engage in hands-on learning opportunities that allow them to explore cutting-edge space innovation practices in the Rio Grande Valley. Through interactive games and creative challenges, the initiative aims to strengthen core STEM knowledge and skills for both students and their families.

Roman Chiporukha, founder of the Space Prize Foundation, remarked, “This partnership is about expanding educational opportunities. When students and families can interact with science in tangible, inspiring ways, their understanding of the future and their place within it transforms. Our goal is to break down barriers and create moments that ignite curiosity and limitless possibilities.”

In addition to museum visits, participating educators will receive curriculum resources developed by the Space Prize Foundation. This includes materials designed to enhance learning prior to the visit and reinforce knowledge afterward, helping students bridge classroom concepts with real-world exploration.

Felipe Pena III, Executive Director of CMB, stated, “At the Children’s Museum of Brownsville, we firmly believe that every child deserves equal learning opportunities. This collaboration allows us to reach hundreds of students and families who might not otherwise experience such forms of informal STEM education. It is a powerful example of how community partnerships can expand educational opportunities on a broader scale.”

BISD leadership emphasized the importance of involving the entire family in education, particularly during the primary school years when children's curiosity and self-confidence begin to blossom. Dr. Jesus H. Chavez, Superintendent of BISD, noted, “By creating meaningful experiences outside the classroom, we empower students to build confidence, spark imagination, and instill a sense of belonging in the fields of science and technology. This partnership also supports our broader mission to ensure that all students have access to educational equity and opportunities.”

Through this initiative, the Space Prize Foundation continues to fulfill its mission of broadening equitable access to space and STEM education, demonstrating how targeted community projects can have a profound and tangible impact on students, families, and future generations.

About the Space Prize Foundation

The Space Prize Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing public space literacy and advocating for gender equality in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. Initially established to focus on high school girls in New York City through the Space Prize Challenge, the foundation has since achieved global outreach, expanding initiatives to cities like Paris and Portugal. The 2026 Space Prize Challenges has evolved into a co-ed competition, fostering a collaborative environment for all young innovators.

Additionally, the foundation has developed the first open-source Space Education Curriculum, aimed to prepare students for the rapidly growing space economy and the challenges of advancing humanity toward a multi-planetary future.

About the Children’s Museum of Brownsville

Each year, the Children’s Museum of Brownsville welcomes more than 75,000 visitors, providing practical learning experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity in children. Through exhibitions, programs, and various outreach initiatives, the museum is committed to ensuring that all children and families have access to learning opportunities and can thrive in their pursuits.

About the Brownsville Independent School District

Covering 95 square miles, the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) is the largest employer in the Rio Grande Valley, employing approximately 6,000 staff members who support and serve around 36,140 students. BISD deeply understands and respects the unique cultural lifestyle of South Texas, providing a rich diversity of academic programs and extracurricular activities.