September 9, 2021 — Midland ISD is excited to announce the launch of a new program aimed at exposing students to aerospace, aeronautics, and space exploration. Go For Launch! uses space exploration as a platform to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Go For Launch! will consist of three different multi-day sessions, the first of which takes off October 18 and 19, during Midland ISD's first intersession week. Students will define and design their own space-themed experiments during the course of each of the three sessions, and the winning experiment will be flown to the International Space Station!
"Especially with the recent news surrounding private space exploration, we feel this is the perfect time to introduce this exciting new program," said Jeff Horner, Executive Director of Learning, Leading, and Innovation for Midland ISD. "This is an amazing opportunity for our students to gain exposure to these cutting-edge technologies, which exist right here in Midland."
All Midland ISD students grades 8-12 are eligible to
apply for the program. The last day to apply is September 27. Parents, teachers, coaches and others can
nominate a student for the program through September 24.
Go For Launch! is a program of the non-profit
Higher Orbits which promotes education through Space Flight. The program is provided thanks to a collaboration between Midland ISD, the Midland Development Corporation and Chevron.
"This program, which helps develop the next generation of aerospace engineers, scientists, and STEM leaders, fits perfectly with the Midland Development Corporation's goals to grow Midland's future workforce and strengthen our local economy," said Sara Harris, Executive Director of the Midland Development Corporation.
“Space exploration doesn’t happen without big dreams and STEM,” said Kayleigh Dunn, Public and Government Affairs Advisor for Chevron. “Chevron is excited to help bring Go For Launch! to Midland ISD students and we can’t wait to see which innovative experiment earns a spot on the International Space Station.”
