Challenger Learning Center NWI

09/01/2026

08/26/2026

🐾🚀 Happy National Dog Day! 🚀🐾

Did you know dogs have a place in space history, too? 🌎✨

In 1957, Laika became the first dog to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2. A few years later, Belka and Strelka made history as the first dogs to orbit Earth and safely return home! 🐶🛰️

Today, we’re celebrating ALL the pups—from the brave dogs who helped pave the way for space exploration, to the furry friends waiting for us at home. 💙🐾

And for the beloved pups who are no longer with us, today we remember them, too. 🌈🐾 The paw prints they left on our hearts stay with us forever. 💙✨

Have a four-legged explorer in your life—or a special pup you’re remembering today? Share a photo with us in the comments! 🐕🚀

Happy National Dog Day! 💙🐾🚀

08/25/2026

A big thank you to our Challenger crew for an awesome cleaning day! 🧹💙 We even had a little fun along the way! 😂 Check the comments for the video to see for yourself! 🎥🚀

After lots of cleaning, organizing, and prepping, our center is ready to welcome another school year filled with missions, STEM adventures, and plenty of learning! 🚀✨

But after a full day of cleaning…

This is how our crew is feeling right about now. 😂🧹💤

We are with you, Beary Ross! 🐻😂

New school year… we’re ready for you! 💙🚀

08/21/2026

Our Executive Director Lara and Lead STEM Educator Valerie had the privilege of attending the Challenger Center annual conference last week, held at the Christa McAuliffe Center in Framingham, MA.
This was an opportunity to share accomplishments, ideas, best practices, important updates, and stories throughout the network of 33 centers.
This year was special, as 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Challenger accident and the inception of Challenger Centers.
It was an honor for Lara and Valerie to attend!

08/20/2026

September is right around the corner, and we’re getting excited to welcome our homeschool families for three fun, hands-on learning adventures!

🔴 September 8th | Expedition Mars
🧬 September 9th | Storybook STEM + Planetarium Show
🔬 September 10th | Genetics Lab

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to join us! Come explore, discover, and learn with us at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana. 🚀

🎟️ Register today at https://www.clcnwi.com/programs-camps/adventuredays.html
📞 Questions? Give us a call at 219-989-3250

08/16/2026

In light of the recent severe weather affecting Hammond and many of our surrounding communities, all of us at the Challenger Learning Center of NWI are sending our thoughts and support to EVERYONE impacted.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thank you to the first responders, emergency crews, utility workers, city employees, volunteers, neighbors, businesses, and everyone working tirelessly to help our communities recover and stay safe. Your hard work, compassion, and dedication do not go unnoticed. 💙

To those who are still without power, our thoughts are especially with you. We know these past few days haven’t been easy, but crews are working hard throughout our communities, and we’re hopeful our power will be back on very soon. 💡💙

Stay safe, NWI. We’re all in this together. 💙🚀

08/16/2026

Help us wish our wonderful Director, Lara, a very Happy Birthday! 🎉

Thank you for being such a kind, understanding, and inspiring leader—and, of course, our ultimate dumpster raccoon savior! 🦝 🤪
We hope your birthday is truly out of this world and that the year ahead is filled with joy, new adventures, and countless reasons to smile.
Happy Birthday, Lara! 🚀🎂

08/07/2026

Every great mission leads to a new adventure, and today we're sharing some bittersweet news.

While we're sad to see Commander Eli leave the Challenger Learning Center of NWI we're so excited as they launch into their next mission—becoming a science teacher! 🍎🧪

Commander Eli has inspired countless students through their passion for STEM, kindness, and enthusiasm. From leading space missions to encouraging future explorers, they've made a lasting impact on our Challenger family.

Although we'll miss having them on our crew, we know they're exactly where they're meant to be. The students who get to call Commander Eli their teacher are incredibly lucky—they're gaining someone who makes science exciting and inspires curiosity every day.

Please join us in wishing Commander Eli the very best on this exciting new adventure. Congratulations, Eli! 🚀💙

08/07/2026

📚🚀 Calling All Homeschool Families! 🌟

Join us for three exciting, hands-on STEM experiences designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning!

Whether your child loves space, science, or storytelling, there's an adventure waiting for them! These programs are a great opportunity to connect with other homeschool families while exploring STEM in a fun and engaging environment.

🎟️ Register today to reserve your spot!
🌐https://www.clcnwi.com/programs-camps/adventuredays.html
📞 219-989-3250

We can't wait to learn and explore with you! 💙🚀✨

08/06/2026

🚀 Throwback Thursday! 📸

As we get ready to kick off another exciting school year—starting with our adventurous Expedition Mars Mission—we're taking a look back at all the fun from last season's missions! 🌎✨

Check out these awesome moments from our young astronauts' missions, and let us know in the comments if you spot someone you know! 👨‍🚀❤️

We can't wait to welcome more incredible groups of explorers for a new year of STEM adventures!