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As the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska (CLCA) continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and space explorers, the fraternal order of Eagles continues to support those efforts financially. Last week Tim Navarre, on behalf of the Eagles throughout Alaska, presented CLCA executive director, Larry Porter, and chief operating officer, Marnie Olcott, with another check for $5,000. "The CLCA does serve and inspire the youth throughout Alaska, so I'm proud that our state organization as well as our local chapter stepped up to the plate to continue to support the Challenger Learning Center on behalf of the future for all Alaskans," Navarre told the Kenai Chamber of Commerce. According to Navarre, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization, uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.

"This continued support from the Eagles represents a huge investment for Alaska as well as our entire nation. We have to encourage our kids to stay in school and move on to career and higher education choices that will move Alaska forward in the global market place," said Olcott. According to Olcott, a free community event is being planned at the CLCA for Saturday, December 29th, during the winter school break. "We'll have a Wonders of Space and Science event from 10am-4pm. During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a free mini-mission in our space station simulator. Also, we'll have new interactive activities for all ages, flight simulators and of course, our Star Lab will be up and running," said Olcott.

Looking ahead to 2010, Olcott says the FAA will be offering the ACE Academy Camp during the Kenai Peninsula spring break. "This exciting opportunity is for 8th - 11th grade students where they will learn the physics of flight, flight paths, weather, careers in aviation and much more! Also with the New Year coming, it's time to register for Summer Camp. Campers asked for a camp for older teens. Well here it is! Also you may register now for the newly developed Robotics camp featuring VEX robots. Also new this year, CLCA will be offering Family Science Camp in addition to our regularly offered residential and non-residential camps updated with all-new experiences. As always, you can get the latest in what's happening at CLCA at our new website at www.akchallenger.org. Find information on teacher resources and trainings, visit the interactive kids page and sign up for weekly space updates, upcoming events and our newsletter. Additionally, there are only 2 more sessions of the Home School STEAMs Ahead program. Visit our website or call Kathy East at 283-2000 for more information and to register your homeschooler in these 3-week sessions designed to bring science alive. As always, Summer Lazenby is standing by to book your next event or meeting. CLCA operations are funded by earned revenue from facility rentals, educational and community programs and donor support; both corporate and individual. We would like to thank those of you who choose CLCA as your event location and to our generous donors who make it possible to continue our mission of inspiring Alaska's youth to higher education," concluded Olcott.