Established in 40 locations throughout the U.S., Challenger Learning Center Montco Pottstown is part of a worldwide network of over 40 Centers founded by the families of the astronauts tragically lost during the 1986 Challenger space shuttle mission and inspired by the legacy of America’s first Teacher-In-Space, Christa McAuliffe – and the hopes and dreams of millions of school children.

Located at Montco's Pottstown Campus, an academic and community hub for students and residents of Montgomery County, the Center is the first of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania. Focused on inspiring and engaging students in grades 5-8, the Center serves as a regional hub of innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning experiences where students of all backgrounds embark on simulated space missions in a fully immersive Spacecraft, Space Station, and Mission Control, working together to run hands-on experiments and solve tough problems. Every student has a role to play, building confidence in their own abilities and demonstrating the power of teamwork. Challenger Center missions create “jobs” for students to spark ongoing STEM engagement, college STEM degree exploration, pathways to STEM internships, apprenticeships and careers, and workforce development.

The Challenger STS-51L Crew (top row left to right) Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa Corrigan McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, Judith A. Resnik, (bottom row left to right) Michael J. Smith, Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, Ronald E. McNair