Space Foundation and Charles County Public Schools will bring a week of space exploration and STEM programming to Charles County Public Schools in Waldorf, Maryland, from March 23-27, 2026.
Space Foundation’s Space Workforce team will visit elementary, middle and high schools across the school system, providing educators with space-focused lesson plans designed for easy classroom integration. Students will participate in hands-on STEM activities, learn about NASA’s Artemis program and meet former NASA astronaut Kathryn Thornton.
Thornton flew four space shuttle missions during her 12-year career, logging more than 975 hours in space, including more than 21 hours of spacewalks. She was the first woman to participate in a classified U.S. government space mission and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2010.
A peer mentor event will be held March 27 from 7:45-10:25 a.m. at St. Charles High School. High school students will connect with local STEM professionals and explore career opportunities in the growing space industry.
The event will include a presentation by Thornton, followed by a Q&A session.
Later that day, a Community Night will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at James E. Richmond Science Center. Students, families and community members can participate in hands-on STEM activities, hear a presentation from Thornton, and meet her for photos.
