Colorado Educators Selected for NASA's LiftOff Summer Institute
Colorado SKIES Academy is thrilled to announce that two of its remarkable educators, Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper, have earned spots in the LiftOff Summer Institute 2025: Flight Path to Innovation. This prestigious program is backed by NASA's Texas Space Grant Consortium and delivered in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin.
What is the LiftOff Summer Institute?
This incredible opportunity provides a unique professional development experience for teachers from across the country. Set to take place in Houston, Texas, this immersive week-long program focuses on space exploration, innovation, and STEM education. Taking place in late June, participants will engage with NASA scientists and engineers, tour advanced facilities, and participate in hands-on STEM activities.
Support for Participants
Thanks to the support from the Colorado Space Grant Consortium, Mary and Craig will have all their expenses covered during this transformative experience. Accommodations, meals, local transportation, and facility tours are all included, allowing participants to focus entirely on learning and collaboration.
Connections to Real-world Education
During the program, educators will acquire valuable hands-on resources and curriculum ideas that they can bring back to their classrooms. The goal is to connect real-world aerospace experiences with classroom learning, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students at Colorado SKIES Academy and beyond.
Inspiring Future Generations
Meredith Motley, Campus Director at Colorado SKIES Academy, expressed pride in Mary and Craig's achievements, stating, "They exemplify the spirit of innovation and curiosity that we aim to foster in our students. Their dedication to STEM education is commendable, and we are excited to see how this experience enriches our learning community." This sentiment highlights the importance of connecting educators with authentic experiences in their field, providing them the tools to inspire future generations.
Follow Their Journey on Social Media
As #NASABound educators, Mary and Craig are part of an elite group dedicated to transforming science and engineering education. By engaging with the community through social media platforms, they will share insights from their journey. Interested followers can keep up by using tags on different platforms such as @CSREducationAndOutreach on Facebook, @CSR_Education on Instagram, and @utcsr on LinkedIn.
About Colorado SKIES Academy
Colorado SKIES Academy is a public charter school committed to an aerospace-focused curriculum for grades 6-8. Located in a welcoming environment, the school aims to ignite students' passion for learning and prepare them for successful careers in STEM fields. Through project-based learning and critical thinking, students are encouraged to collaborate effectively and pursue their aspirations in a supportive classroom setting.
Staying Informed About CSA
For further information regarding Colorado SKIES Academy, prospective visitors can explore their official website to learn more about their innovative programs and enrollment procedures. This supportive learning community is eager to welcome students who are enthusiastic about science and who seek to make a difference through education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LiftOff Summer Institute?
The LiftOff Summer Institute is a professional development program organized by NASA, focusing on space exploration and STEM education for educators.
Who are the selected teachers from Colorado SKIES Academy?
Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper have been selected to participate in this prestigious program.
Where will the LiftOff Summer Institute take place?
The program will be held in Houston, Texas, bringing educators together for an immersive week of learning.
What support is provided to the selected educators?
All accommodations, meals, transportation, and facility tours for the teachers will be fully covered by the Colorado Space Grant Consortium.
How can I follow the educators’ journey?
You can follow Mary and Craig on social media by using the tags @CSREducationAndOutreach on Facebook, @CSR_Education on Instagram, and @utcsr on LinkedIn.
