Inspiring the Next Generation: WSBR Education Committee Update
At the Washington Space Business Roundtable (WSBR), our mission extends beyond bringing together the Washington area’s space industry through thought-provoking luncheons and networking events. We are equally committed to advancing STEM education in Washington, D.C., and across the nation — inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
Over the past year, the WSBR Education Committee has proudly supported several initiatives that make STEM learning more accessible and exciting for students of all backgrounds. Roughly 75% of our funding supported programs in the greater Washington region, while 25% extended to schools and educators nationwide.
Local Impact: Empowering Students in Our Community
In the D.C. area, WSBR provided 1,250 solar eclipse glasses, educational books, and experiment materials to Miner Elementary School for a community eclipse event in April 2024, helping young learners safely experience the wonder of space firsthand.
We also supported JC Nalle Elementary School and Paul Public Charter School, helping both institutions plan field trips to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where students could see the possibilities of STEM careers come to life.
WSBR also provided funding for the Young Queens STEM Club at Colin Powell Academy to go on a field trip to NASA Goddard. The Young Queens STEM Club is a program designed to empower girls by building self-esteem and engaging them in STEM education. With the theme “Self-ESTEM,” the initiative inspires young girls to envision themselves in science.
To further inspire curiosity, WSBR partnered with IgnitedThinkers, awarding a $2,500 grant to host five after-school “Space Camps” at Title I schools throughout the greater Washington area. These hands-on programs let students build rockets, explore orbital mechanics, and learn from professionals in the space sector. This opportunity led to IgnitedThinkers sending a student to Space Camp in Huntsville!
WSBR also awarded a $2,500 grant to the Challenger Center to assist with renovations to reopen their learning center in the Howard B. Owens Science Building in Lanham, Maryland. This center was a longtime destination for Prince George’s County public schools before closing in 2020, and its reopening will once again provide a vital STEM learning hub for one of the largest school districts in the country.
National Reach: Supporting Future Space Leaders and Educators Nationwide
Beyond the capital region, WSBR supported the Future Space Leaders Foundation, providing funding for its Future Space 2025 event, which connects students and young professionals with senior leaders from government and industry to inspire the next generation of space professionals.
WSBR also contributed to the Challenger Center’s June Scobee Rogers Endowment, fully funding an award recognizing an outstanding educator in Missouri who exemplifies excellence in STEM education.
Continuing the Mission
Every luncheon ticket, every donation, and every auction bid helps fund these efforts. All proceeds from WSBR events—outside of administrative costs—go directly toward the Education Committee’s budget.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed—your participation enables us to expand our reach, inspire curiosity, and build a stronger pipeline of future innovators. If you would like to get involved or support the WSBR Education Fund directly, please visit our website to donate.
Together, we can inspire the next generation to go forth and prosper.
