11th Annual Event at NASA

A total of 130 middle and high school students participated in this year’s challenge. Student teams represented Altoona Area Jr. High School (Altoona, PA), Antelope Valley Learning Academy (Palmdale, CA), Hollidaysburg Area Jr. High School (Hollidaysburg, PA), Laurel Highlands Middle School (Uniontown, PA), and Roy A. Hunt Elementary School (New Kensington, PA).

Exploring NASA Goddard
Students began the day with a tour of GSFC, including a visit to NASA’s Hyperwall for a presentation by Dr. Rob Zellum, Research Astrophysicist. Dr. Zellum discussed his work studying exoplanets and the search for life in the galaxy. The Hyperwall—a massive video wall capable of displaying multiple high‑definition data visualizations—offered students a dynamic look at how NASA scientists interpret complex data.

The tour continued through the world’s largest Class 10,000 cleanroom, where students saw the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for launch soon. Additional stops included the NASA TV Studio and the Conceptual Image Lab, where students learned how Goddard’s multimedia team prepares major NASA stories for national media distribution. Animation artists shared insights into their creative process and what a typical day looks like working at NASA.

Inspiring Messages
Dr. Charity Woodrum, NASA Postdoctoral Fellow and Quarterback of Life®, delivered an inspiring keynote address encouraging students to dream boldly and believe in their potential.

A highlight of the day was meeting Scott “Scooter” Altman—former NASA astronaut, Quarterback of Life®, and Honorary Co‑Chairman—who spent time engaging with students.

Student Research Presentations
This year’s research challenge centered on NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, the agency’s next major observatory that will help unlock the mysteries of our universe. Student teams presented their research on Roman and reflected on their own lives using the Blueprint for Success.

Thank You to Our Partners
This event was made possible through the valued partnership of the McShane Family Foundation and Agenda, along with generous support from Customers Bank, First National Bank, Keller Engineers, Sheetz, Walmart, Sam’s Club, The Honey Baked Ham, Encompass Health, Blair County Chamber of Commerce (Leadership Blair County Youth), Joseph Shulman, Chuck and Shirley Baily, and Mark Sahd. Their contributions played a vital role in the success of this year’s challenge.