Crayola, Space4All, Blue Origin’s nonprofit Club for the Future and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex revealed a new collaboration to honor exceptional educators, increase awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in space, and inspire students to pursue a future in space-related careers.
As part of this effort, the organizations created a national initiative – Creativity Launches the Future – for parents and community members to nominate exceptional educators for a chance to win a VIP trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The experience is designed to grow educators’ knowledge of space and encourage them to inspire students about the benefits and possibilities of space.
In addition, new educational resources from Crayola and Space4All are now available online throughout the campaign to support and engage educators and students across the country.
These hands-on activities help students envision themselves in space-related careers and learn about the amazing innovations that have come out of the space program.
Twelve educators will be randomly selected from the nominees and announced as part of Crayola’s Creativity Week in early 2025. The winners will tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Central Florida and Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket factory.
They will also take home space-themed lessons for their classrooms and may have the opportunity to witness a rocket launch.
“Creativity is a critical life skill that helps children reach their full potential; no matter what career they choose. This partnership highlights our shared mission to show how creativity drives space exploration and innovation,” said Cheri Sterman, senior director of education, Crayola. “Everyone learns best from hands-on experiences. So, this opportunity for teachers to have an in-person immersion on the Space Coast will expand their knowledge of and confidence in teaching space.”
“Both of my parents were middle-school teachers, and they inspired me to dream big and believe in myself,” said Space4All Ambassador and former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin. “Now, I’m excited for the chance to say thank you to all the outstanding teachers and be part of inspiring them and their students to reach for the stars, because space is for all.”
