May 27, 2025
The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research (CSR) Education and Outreach Department has received funding as a sub-awardee through The Aldrin Foundation to support its LiftOff Summer Institute. This award was made possible through the Texas Space Commission’s Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), supporting innovative space education and workforce development initiatives across Texas.
LiftOff is a weeklong, immersive professional development experience designed for middle and high school educators, with a focus on enriching the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Hosted annually by CSR, the program brings together educators from across the nation to engage in cutting-edge aerospace and space science content. Each year’s theme is based on current NASA missions and topics relevant to both the scientific community and professional educators.
This year’s LiftOff program features hands-on activities, lectures and field trips centered around space exploration. Highlights include presentations by NASA scientists and engineers, astronauts and academic and industry partners including the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Jacobs Technology and UT Austin. The program emphasizes a “train-the-trainer” model, where the 50 educators selected for LiftOff go on to train over 1,000 fellow teachers and engage more than 7,500 students in STEM learning annually.
In collaboration with The Aldrin Foundation, LiftOff will introduce technical resources focused on Mars exploration, including Moon and Mars maps and Kerbal, an interactive space exploration simulation using gaming technology. This partnership will elevate the program’s reach and impact by integrating engaging tools and content aligned with future-focused space missions.
Additionally, the program will expand its reach through the selection of tenCareer and Technical Education (CTE) teachers, district coordinators and regional education leaders to participate in LiftOff. These participants will receive specialized training connected to the S-Cubed Program — a two-year, mini-satellite STEM curriculum that enables students to build and launch mini satellites as part of their aerospace or engineering studies.
To further support statewide STEM engagement, CSR staff will host regional recruitment events targeting districts with the highest concentrations of aerospace and engineering CTE pathways.
“This partnership with The Aldrin Foundation and support from SEARF strengthens our commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers,” said Margaret Baguio, the program manager of education and outreach at CSR. “By equipping educators with authentic, hands-on experiences and innovative tools, we ensure that students across Texas are prepared for the future of space exploration and STEM careers.”
For more information about LiftOff or to learn how to participate, visit https://www.csr.utexas.edu/education-outreach/liftoff-summer-institute/.
