NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Editorial Contact:
Loretta Hidalgo
626.429.6603
loretta@spacegen.org
Young Space Professionals Bring Mars to Local Schools LOS
ANGELES, January 20, 2003 – Since Spirit landed
on Mars earlier this month, over 3,500 school children
throughout Southern California have experienced first-hand
the excitement of NASA’s return to Mars, thanks
to the volunteer efforts of young space professionals
participating
in the pilot phase of a space education outreach program
called Explorers Wanted. Designed and executed by the non-profit Space Generation
Foundation (SpaceGen), Explorers Wanted is charged
with delivering the excitement and possibility of space
exploration
to a new generation of explorers. Mars is the focus of
current outreach, given the phenomenal success of Spirit,
NASA’s first Mars rover since 1997; the pending
arrival of its twin, Opportunity .
More than 30 student and young space professionals have
signed up for training to share their love for space at
more than 50 local schools in this Los Angeles-based pilot
program. All school visits take place at the invitation
of the teachers, with the participating schools ranging
from deep inter-city schools, to private schools where
students routinely place into college at age 12 or 13.
“Fascination with space and possibility of past
life existing on Mars really resonates with kids,” said
Loretta Hidalgo, Explorers Wanted program director
and president of SpaceGen. “They always surprise
us with questions they ask - how cold it gets, what the
gravity
is like, and how long it takes to get there. The idea
behind Explorers Wanted is to get kids excited
about what we don’t
know and invite them to become a part of that discovery
with us."
On Tuesday, January 13, Explorers Wanted visited third-graders
at El Rincon Elementary in Culver City . Students had opportunities
to drive a LEGO Mars Rover model, pick up Martian and lunar
bricks, and ask questions about the Martian environment.
"I am so excited," said volunteer Alicia Evan,
24, who is employed at Boeing Satellite Systems. "I
just loved seeing the kids get so revved up about Mars!"
Teachers participating in the Explorers Wanted program
have enjoyed the infusion of fun and energy into their
science classes.
"What
is different about Explorers Wanted is
that it is as much training and development for the young
space workforce as it is an inspirational and educational
experience for the kids.” said Ms. Hidalgo . “We
want to develop young space professionals by encouraging
then to take risks, challenge themselves, and grow their
capacity to inspire those around them to become explorers.
“In the next two decades, NASA will certainly be
looking for a ‘few good explorers,’ especially
in light of this week's announcements of plans to send
humans to the moon and Mars,” said Hidalgo, “Now,
that is an idea that this group hopes the kids will really
get excited about.”
# # #
About the Space Generation Foundation
The Space
Generation Foundation (SpaceGen) was founded in 1985. One
of SpaceGen’s earliest projects
was the creation of the International Space University,
now
with a permanent campus in France. Established and run
by students and young professionals, SpaceGen works to
ignite passion and excitement for space exploration in
young people- creating the next generation of space leaders
and pioneers.
The SpaceGen vision is to identify individuals who are
committed to creating access to space for all people and
build a team to provide the support, encouragement, motivation,
and connection necessary to turn their dreams into reality.
SpaceGen seeks to allow these leaders, and the general
public, to directly participate in and support the opening
of space.
For more information contact Loretta Hidalgo at [+1] (626)
429-6603.
© The Space Generation Foundation
An affiliate organization to the Space Generation Advisory
Council
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