This fall, high school teachers across the country worked with their students to participate in the U.S. Department of Education's “Your Place in Space Challenge.” This challenge is the first in the CTE Momentum series, which prepares high school students for rewarding careers and increases access to career and technical education (CTE). Through the Your Place in Space Challenge, teachers helped students develop and submit designs for products and services that advance space missions and exploration.
Dr. Amy Lloyd, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, announced the award winners today, honoring dedicated teachers and their innovative students.
“With national initiatives such as Raise the Bar: Lead the World and Unlocking Career Success, our department is working to ensure that all students have access to an education that allows them to succeed and thrive in school and life. is why we launched CTE Momentum,” said Dr. Lloyd. “As we celebrate the incredible opportunities that public education provides, please join us in congratulating the award-winning schools, their teachers, and their students.”
A panel of experts evaluated all eligible entries and advanced the top entries to the next round of judges.
- Ali Guarneros LunaSenior Systems Architect, Lockheed Martin Corporation
- megan mcarthurNASA astronaut
- Nitish EliasDirector of Product Design, Honeywell Aerospace
- Nitya GovindasamySenior Director of Advance CTE Policy
- Ted TagamiCEO and Co-Founder of Magnitude.io
After scoring the submissions against the selection criteria, the jury recommended eight winners.
Congratulations to all the winners of the Your Place in Space challenge.
- Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School La Crescenta, California — Global Mars Navigation: App for astronauts
- chapel hill high school CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Freeze-dried probiotics: reduce intestinal epithelial leakage in astronauts, reducing risk of food poisoning
- collierville high school Collierville, Tenn. — Space Chamomile: Growing food and medicine to support space exploration
- Greater Lowell Technical High School CHINGSBOROUGH, Mass. — Occupational Space Habitat: Creating Viable Living Conditions on Other Planets
- halifax county high school In South Boston, Virginia — Plant Pods: Creating sustainable dietary solutions on the way to Mars
- Hirshi High School WICHITA FALLS, Texas — AI Satellite System for Cybersecurity: Preventing Cyberattacks in Low Earth Orbit Using Recycled Materials
- Kealakehe High School Kailua-Kona, Hawaii — Space Occupation Simulator: Empowering communities through high school initiatives
- shaker high school Latham, New York — Hydroponic systems: Producing food on Mars
In recognition of their innovative efforts, the winning teams will each receive $6,250 and in-kind prizes. These prizes include virtual mentorship from Vast Space experts, a MaxIQ Space His Space STEM kit, a simulated space mission facilitated by the Challenger Center, and a Blue Origin facility and manufacturing tour.
Teachers and students interested in the next CTE Momentum challenge can mark their 2024-2025 calendars for the next Power Your Future challenge. This next challenge will focus on a career in the clean energy field.
To receive updates on the Power Your Future Challenge, visit CTEMomentum.com and subscribe to the series newsletter.