About
Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana STEM Programs offers public events, school programs, and volunteer opportunities that include hands-on experience using knowledge from the classroom. When students participate, they enter a cutting-edge Mission Control room and a high-tech Space Station simulator, with missions that can include flying to the Moon, intercepting a comet, visiting Mars, or studying the Earth from the International Space Station. The program also uses spaces such as a science lab, an early learning room, and the Robert H. Rivers Planetarium as part of its STEM programming.
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with Saturdays available by appointment only
The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana STEM Programs began with a vision in 1996 and opened on February 1, 1999, as the 33rd Challenger Learning Center in a global network. For over 25 years, it has welcomed more than 10,000 guests each year and has run over 10,000 programs, serving over 330,000 students and recording over 7,500 volunteer hours since 1999. The Center’s mission is to create an exciting and immersive learning environment that promotes continued exploration of Earth and space sciences through innovative programs that challenge how teachers educate, students learn, and businesses operate, and to foster in the community a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and math for learners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana STEM Programs was founded with leadership from Crown Point teacher Lisa Austgen and astronaut Jerry Ross. It is the only Challenger Learning Center in the state of Indiana and is one of only two Centers in the world with dual mission simulators, and it is part of a global network that reaches hundreds of thousands of students every year. A testimonial from Ms. Paul, a 5th grade teacher at Washington STEM Academy, notes that this is one of their favorite field trips because it allows all of their students a hands-on experience using knowledge from the classroom.
The program highlights community-engaging public events and offers a variety of volunteer options for those who want to share their interest in space and STEM, complete class credit hours, or give back to the community as volunteer Space Cadets. Families can also view a Challenger Learning Center video on YouTube that shows how the STEM programming works for children.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with Saturdays available by appointment only
The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana STEM Programs began with a vision in 1996 and opened on February 1, 1999, as the 33rd Challenger Learning Center in a global network. For over 25 years, it has welcomed more than 10,000 guests each year and has run over 10,000 programs, serving over 330,000 students and recording over 7,500 volunteer hours since 1999. The Center’s mission is to create an exciting and immersive learning environment that promotes continued exploration of Earth and space sciences through innovative programs that challenge how teachers educate, students learn, and businesses operate, and to foster in the community a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and math for learners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana STEM Programs was founded with leadership from Crown Point teacher Lisa Austgen and astronaut Jerry Ross. It is the only Challenger Learning Center in the state of Indiana and is one of only two Centers in the world with dual mission simulators, and it is part of a global network that reaches hundreds of thousands of students every year. A testimonial from Ms. Paul, a 5th grade teacher at Washington STEM Academy, notes that this is one of their favorite field trips because it allows all of their students a hands-on experience using knowledge from the classroom.
The program highlights community-engaging public events and offers a variety of volunteer options for those who want to share their interest in space and STEM, complete class credit hours, or give back to the community as volunteer Space Cadets. Families can also view a Challenger Learning Center video on YouTube that shows how the STEM programming works for children.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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