Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky: Working Through the Crisis

With schools closed, travel limited, and social gatherings restricted, everyone has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, rapidly changing the definition of ‘normal’ for all of us. Despite this change—and because of it—work at The Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky continues. The Center facility is closed and will remain closed until it is deemed safe to open. However, the Center’s staff remain at work remotely. Below are some of the actions we have taken.

Safe Programming

· We are now focusing our efforts on delivering engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs to the students of Eastern Kentucky (and beyond) in a safe, responsible manner through use of our social media sites. Many teachers have shared our information with their students during their NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction) lessons.

· Challenger’s popular summer programs will continue in a different way. We are developing virtual and online programs for the summer as an alternative to in-person camps so that we can deliver high-quality STEAM camps at no risk to students. These programs will cover a variety of subjects and age groups, just like past summer camps. Our instructors will make STEAM topics fun, interesting, and exciting.

· We will honor current summer registrations. We will be offering full refunds or free transfers for any program which is canceled or any participant who chooses not to attend. We will post more information on Facebook through email and on our website. Follow us HERE and if you’d like to be added to our mailing list or have a question about our programs, please contact us using THIS page.

· We have hopes that in-person programs are a possibility later in the summer. When in-person programming resumes, we will implement enhanced safety and health awareness in all programs including camps, and outreach. We will be well prepared with best practices and Personal Protective Equipment as recommended by local, state and medical professionals.

Securing the Future

The Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky is an independent, non-profit organization. We rely on modest fees for programs and services. In addition, we are fortunate to receive gifts and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations to balance our budget. During this time when schools are using virtual learning, our fees have been reduced. We have taken the following actions regarding our budget:

· The Board of Directors has taken steps to assure our financial stability during the pandemic by secured funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help cover payroll and utilities and operating expenses while we reevaluate how we deliver our programs and work on a plan for long term sustainability.

· We have established a Covid-19 Response Fund to support new virtual learning programs for students and teachers. Should you desire to assist with our Covid-19 Response Fund you can do so below.

We appreciate your support of the Center through this difficult time. We take pride in our community’s rapid response to flatten the curve. We hope you and your families are safe and healthy. Please remember that we will get through this together.