The Challenger Learning Center (CLC) located at Heartland Community College was recognized by their national organization in Washington, D.C. for serving the most students of all 40 locations.
The national Challenger Center for Space Education honored the Heartland CLC with recognition for “Most Students Flown” over the 2022-2023 academic year. During that span of time, 7,225 students came in person to become scientists, engineers, and innovators in STEM challenges. Another 931 students took part in amazing virtual learning experiences
Heartland’s Challenger Center focus is on students in grades 5-8 and summer programs for grades K-8. With programs designed for students of all backgrounds, Challenger Learning Center has a concentrated effort to meet the needs of underserved students and learners who are underrepresented in STEM. Working with area schools and the Heartland Community College Foundation, the CLC has provided secondary school classrooms throughout Central Illinois in-person and virtual learning experiences.