Higher Orbits Galactic HQ – October 29, 2024 – Higher Orbits is bringing its flagship program, Go For Launch!, to Vermont for the first time on November 2-3 to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Held in partnership with Norwich University, students in grades 8-12 will participate in space and STEM-based group activities designed to develop critical skills needed for success in their future careers.

This hands-on program spotlights the wonders of spaceflight and space exploration to provide students across the country the opportunity to develop and strengthen their skills in STEM, teamwork, communication, research design, and leadership. While focusing on spaceflight, Go For Launch! students work alongside a featured astronaut, as well as other aerospace and STEM professionals, at each event to learn and develop important skills that can be applied in any professional field.

This event’s featured Astronaut is Greg H. Johnson, a retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Pilot who flew two Space Shuttle missions.

“I’m very excited to be attending and presenting at the Go For Launch! STEM event in Vermont next week! The opportunity to engage with young innovative minds is part of my personal mission statement; I look forward to helping them cultivate their fresh ideas pursuing science on the International Space Station,” shares Johnson.

In addition to Astronaut Greg Johnson, the participants of this event will also work with many professionals from Norwich University, who will share their expertise in their fields of STEM including cybersecurity.

“I am over the moon for us to have the opportunity to partner with such an historic and, at the same time, cutting edge university for our first ever event in Vermont. Norwich University is dedicated to the education of our next generation and I am so thrilled we can work together to inspire the next generation of STEMists and Explorers,” shares Michelle Lucas, Founder & CEO of Higher Orbits and former astronaut instructor at the Johnson Space Center.

Go For Launch! participants not only have access to incredible mentors, they have the opportunity to compete to design an experiment that could fly to the International Space Station. One lucky team will be selected as the winners of the Go For Launch! Norwich and will have their experiment built to be launched on a future cargo mission to the International Space Station.

“I am excited to bring the future of space technology to the rural state of Vermont and to expand the opportunities for young people interested in space. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students to compete to launch their experiments and be a part of the International Space Station mission,” shared Dr. Gaines, Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Norwich University.

Go For Launch! Norwich is open to students in grades 8-12 from anywhere, and is not restricted to only those residing in Vermont. Running November 2-3, Go For Launch! Norwich will be held at Norwich University in Northfield, VT. Interested students can register online at www.GoForLaunch.norwich.

Higher Orbits is truly honored to work with many communities, companies, and individuals. It's through these partnerships that the organization is able to inspire the next generation of STEMists and explorers—the future workforce of our country. All Go For Launch! Events are supported by the IDEA Space Coalition which is supported by Burns & McDonnell, Iridium, and Ridgeline International.

About Higher Orbits 

Founded in 2015, Higher Orbits is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization creating an experiential learning lab for secondary school students across the United States, focused on the multi-faceted worlds of space exploration, research, and spaceflight in order to launch the next generation workforce our world desires. www.higherorbits.org

About Norwich University 

Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States of of America. Norwich is one of our nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu