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Congressman Mrvan announces $963,000 in funding for Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana

July 30, 2024

A beacon of educational excellence and innovation for the last 25 years in Hammond is getting nearly $1 million in funding.

Indiana 1st District Congressman Frank Mrvan and board members of the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana announced that the center will receive $963,000 in community project funding during a news conference on Friday morning.

The funding will enable the center to install and upgrade its mission control simulators, which will help it continue its mission to provide inspiring and engaging STEM education opportunities for students throughout the Hoosier State.

“I am privileged to collaborate with local community leaders to acquire new technology and expand educational development opportunities for children throughout Northwest Indiana,” Congressman Mrvan said.

Friday morning’s event also highlighted the transformative impact this funding will have on the center’s ability to deliver high-quality STEM programs to approximately 15,000 students annually.

“With this federal funding, we can enhance our resources and broaden our impact, bringing cutting-edge STEM education to even more students,” said Lara Bates, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana. “This investment in our Mission Control simulators will ensure that we continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.”

The project, which is set to begin in the coming weeks, includes the complete refurbishment of the center’s two mission control rooms. This will involve updating all furnishings, fittings, fixtures, as well as upgrading the computing and audio/visual equipment that drives the simulated missions.

The new simulators will align with NASA’s mission objectives, allowing students to participate in Moon, Mars, Comet, and Earth-based simulated space missions.