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National Geographic and Cengage Group's New Educational Venture

In a remarkable development for education and exploration enthusiasts, the National Geographic Society and Cengage Group have revealed plans to enhance their long-standing partnership with a generous donation of $15 million. This funding will support the establishment of a groundbreaking interactive educational experience known as the National Geographic Learning Launchpad, set to debut at the Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. in 2026.

A Vision for Education

The new educational space, named the National Geographic Learning Launchpad, aims to foster a deep connection to geographic thinking among students. This initiative seeks to inspire young minds to engage with the world through the lens of exploration and inquiry. Designed specifically for student groups visiting the museum, the Launchpad will feature an introductory corridor, an interactive activity room, and an immersive projection room, all designed to present geography as an essential framework for thinking and understanding our world.

Visitors to the Learning Launchpad will dive into a myriad of activities focused on critical questioning, creative problem-solving, and understanding the Explorer Mindset—attributes that define what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer. As Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, emphasized, curiosity forms the core of exploration and is nurtured through education.

A Strategic Partnership

This expanded collaboration between the National Geographic Society and Cengage Group is rooted in a strategic partnership that began in 2011, which originally aimed to create the National Geographic Learning brand. Thanks to this alliance, Cengage has gained exclusive rights to develop and deliver educational products infused with the spirit of exploration. This connection proves crucial as tens of millions of learners across the globe benefit from these National Geographic-branded products each year.

Notably, the National Geographic Learning resources encompass a wide array of subject areas, such as science, social studies, and mathematics, shared through the intriguing narratives of over 600 National Geographic Explorers. In fact, National Geographic Learning materials currently impact around 20 million students in 109 countries, providing authentic educational content that connects learners to the experience of actual exploration.

Future Aspirations

The unveiling of the Learning Launchpad is just one of the exciting advancements for the National Geographic Society and Cengage Group, as they have renewed their partnership through 2040 with a shared mission to enrich classroom experiences and bring real-world learning to students.

Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage Group, articulated the goal of this partnership, stating their dedication to crafting educational tools that empower learners to fulfill their career aspirations. By incorporating elements of exploration that resonate with students, both organizations hope to transform traditional educational frameworks and make learning a more engaging and relevant experience.

Looking Ahead

As anticipation builds towards the opening of the Museum of Exploration and the National Geographic Learning Launchpad, educators and students alike can look forward to innovative, hands-on learning opportunities that embrace the spirit of exploration. This project represents not just a significant investment in education but a commitment to nurturing future generations of curious and adventurous thinkers.

For those eager to keep track of the developments surrounding the Base Camp and the museum, National Geographic's online resources will provide regular updates. Through this collaboration, the National Geographic Society and Cengage Group reaffirm their commitment to bringing the spirit of exploration into classrooms worldwide, demonstrating that learning takes many forms and extends well beyond traditional boundaries.