Two teachers from Colorado SKIES Academy, Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper, have been selected to participate in the NASA LiftOff Summer Institute 2025: Flight Path to Innovation. The week-long professional development program, taking place in Houston, Texas from June 23–27, 2025, will provide educators with unique opportunities to engage directly with NASA scientists and engineers.
The institute represents a significant professional development opportunity for Gispan and Kemper, who will tour cutting-edge facilities and explore hands-on STEM activities designed to bring real-world aerospace experiences back to their classrooms. Support from the Colorado Space Grant Consortium will cover their accommodations, meals, local transportation, and tours.
Campus Director Meredith Motley emphasized the importance of this opportunity, noting that the selected teachers exemplify the academy's commitment to innovation and curiosity. By participating in this program, Gispan and Kemper will join a select group of educators working to shape the future of science and engineering education through direct space exploration connections.
The selection highlights the growing importance of immersive STEM education experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world scientific and technological advancements. For Colorado SKIES Academy, this opportunity underscores its mission to prepare students for future careers in STEM fields by providing educators with direct access to leading scientific professionals and resources.
