WALTHAM, Mass., May 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The John F. Kennedy
Library Foundation, in partnership with Raytheon (NYSE: RTN), is
inspiring the next generation of moonshot thinkers with a
nationwide, space-themed STEM challenge designed specifically for
Boys & Girls Clubs. The JFK Space Labs Explorers Challenge
presented by Raytheon complements Boys & Girls Clubs' summer
STEM programming by engaging members and staff in a variety of
biology and Earth science experiments like those performed on the
International Space Station (ISS).
Raytheon has supported Boys & Girls Clubs of America since
2014 through a $5 million, multiyear
commitment to evolve its national STEM programming, including
building a network of STEM Centers of Innovation at Clubs that
serve a high concentration of military youth. With Raytheon's
support, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has committed to
establishing dedicated STEM learning spaces in all of its Clubs,
including training 54,000 youth development professionals to
implement a research-based STEM curriculum.
Through the JFK Space Lab Explorers Challenge presented by
Raytheon, Boys & Girls Clubs across America are invited to
perform hands-on activities selected by the ISS U.S. National
Laboratory by July 20, the
50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and first moon
landing. Participating Boys & Girls Clubs have the opportunity
to win prizes that expand their exploration of space, including
through augmented reality experiences. Prize winners will be
announced at the ISS Research & Development Conference in
Atlanta, Georgia, on July 29.
"The JFK Space Lab Explorers Challenge presented by Raytheon
highlights our longtime shared commitment to use STEM subjects to
inspire young people to explore their futures and become the
leaders of tomorrow," said Jim
Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of
America. "This challenge not only builds on the meaningful progress
we've made with Raytheon's support over the last five years, but it
aligns perfectly with our existing summer programming, which is
designed to maintain members' interest and proficiency in STEM
subjects at the time of year when they are most at risk of falling
behind."
Clubs participating in the challenge must perform one or more of
the following activities by July
20:
- Orion's Quest: Club members participate in authentic
space-based research through virtual "missions" that require them
to analyze photo and/or video data downlinked directly from the ISS
and submit their findings to scientists.
- Tomatosphere: Guided by online resources, an educator helps
Club members plan, perform and submit a "blind test" experiment to
compare the germination rates of two groups of tomato seeds—one
that flew in space and another that remained on Earth.
- EarthKam: Club members control the camera in a unique Earth
observation experiment onboard the ISS.
- Windows on Earth: This activity provides software that allows
Club members to view stunning pictures of Earth taken by astronauts
on the ISS and take part in related activities.
Boys & Girls Clubs can register for the challenge on the
John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's website.
The JFK Space Lab Explorers Challenge presented by Raytheon
shares its theme with two related programs announced by Raytheon
and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in April: JFK Space Lab
Explorers presented by Raytheon, which gives schools and
afterschool programs access to a curated set of free experiments
through ISS National Lab partners; and JFK Space Lab presented by
Raytheon, a program for middle and high school students that
provides selected schools named after President Kennedy with
support for Earth science, biology and computer science experiments
that utilize direct connections with—and data from—the ISS. All
three programs were developed in cooperation with the ISS National
Lab and made possible by Raytheon's $1.5
million sponsorship of the John F. Kennedy Library
Foundation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
Apollo 11 moon landing and the technological leadership of the
nation's first moonshot.
Raytheon's leadership in space-related capabilities originates
in the Apollo era. Visit here to learn more about how Raytheon
technology led Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon, as well as the
moonshot innovations its employees are working on today.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2018 sales of
$27 billion and 67,000 employees, is
a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil
government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of
innovation spanning 97 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art
electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products
and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers
in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in
Waltham, Mass. Follow us on
Twitter.
About the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and John F.
Kennedy Presidential Library
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit
organization founded in 1984 to provide financial support,
staffing, and creative resources for the John F. Kennedy
Presidential Library and Museum, a presidential library
administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.
The Kennedy Presidential Library and the Kennedy Library Foundation
seek to promote, through educational and community programs, a
greater appreciation and understanding of American politics,
history, and culture, the process of governing and the importance
of public service.
Visit www.jfklibrary.org for the latest announcements and
calendar of events.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
(BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great
futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more
than 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club
membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities,
towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country,
and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on
U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place,
caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth
development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school
hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and
citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni,
54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters
are located in Atlanta. Learn more
at Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contacts
Mike Doble
Raytheon
703.284.4345
corporatepr@raytheon.com
Ashley Keyes
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
404.285.2326
akeyes@bgca.org
Terence Burke
JFK Library Foundation
617.901.1697
terence.burke@jfklfoundation.org
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