"I'm really excited to participate in the Go For Launch! events. Personally, I can't think of a better way to show students the power of a STEM-based education than to expose them to the amazing accomplishments in the realm of space exploration and let them work with people who have been a part of our nation's space program.” 

"I am endlessly grateful for the doors Higher Orbits has opened for me, and many students like me. Without their unceasing support, I would not be the student, lifelong learner, and aspiring scientist I am today” 

"I found out about Go for Launch! from my friend's dad. I had a conflict with a Boy Scout campout but I decided in favor of Go for Launch! as the whole concept was so appealing Now I know how life changing that one decision was for me. Learning about space, science and engineering from astronauts, aerospace scientists, and engineers was wonderful. I am so thankful that they spent their time with us and shared their experiences. Go for Launch! was one of my greatest life experiences so far."

"Go for Launch! had a lasting impact on me and my development. The inspiration that I gained from the program was multifaceted and potent. It fueled my goals for the following years and was the driving force in my development. And the most significant thing that Go for Launch! gave me was something even better than a chosen career path, the experience of interacting with a real space voyager, and the critical thinking and public speaking skills required for success in the workforce. It gave me hope. It gave me goals. It gave me a never-ending thirst for knowledge.”

"The Go for Launch! experience gave me a lot of things. It facilitated close friendships between my teammates and I. It developed essential skills, such as leadership and collaboration. Go for Launch! forced me out of my comfort zone and made me grow. Most of all, Go for Launch! reignited my passion for space, this time with a new direction: to become an aerospace engineer."

"The most important thing is what I learned over those two days; leadership, public speaking, creative thinking, problem solving, time management, and all about outer space. None of this would have been possible without Go for Launch! or Ms. Michelle Lucas. I encourage any teen to take advantage of this program because it has shown me that I can do so much more than I first thought, including sending a project into space."

"I am so grateful to Higher Orbits for offering this amazing program to passionate students looking to get involved in STEM. Ms. Lucas, I could have never done this without you, and I will forever be in support of you and your amazing organization. Higher Orbits is a truly “out-of-this-world” organization that creates and furthers passion and love for space exploration. How would I know? That's what Higher Orbits did for me, and I hope I always stay in “orbit”."

"The great thing about Higher Orbits is, it doesn’t just give you the opportunity to be in Go for Launch! events, moreover it gives you the opportunity to network with a host of space-rock stars in many ways. When Ms. Michelle extended the invite for students to attend the Space Congress, I never knew what to expect, but I was over-the-moon happy when I realized how it afforded me the opportunity to connect with so many people whose journeys have inspired me”

"The experience of Higher Orbits helped narrow my college degree down to aerospace engineering and really confirmed that I wanted to move forward doing similar things like designing science experiments for space. I attribute where I am at today and the trajectory of where I want my life to go, thanks to my time at Go for Launch!” 

"I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen at that day camp that I happened to attend back in September of 2021. But now, here I am, so happy that I went because the Higher Orbits Go for Launch! event. It has been one of the most amazing and unique experiences in my life. I think anyone who’s interested in STEM and space should attend this camp. Scratch that, anyone in general should attend. This is such a great opportunity that many youths should seek out, especially if it comes to a place near you sometime in the future. I would recommend this event to anyone and everyone."

"I participated in the Go for Launch! program in the summer of 2022, and needless to say-- it was one of the best decisions in my life. Go for Launch! has been a totally awesome experience! I got to build my leadership skills, as well as public speaking, by getting lots of practice by presenting big ideas with the rest of my team. I made new friends and strengthened ties with older ones, too.The best part of this experience is that my team has an experiment that is actually going to space! It is definitely "out of this world!" Also the fact that I got to meet a real astronaut. It was so cool!" 

"Higher Orbits stands out as the pinnacle of my space-related extracurricular activities, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and sheer enjoyment. I have been involved in the organization since 2019 through engaging programs like Go for Launch!, Space at Home, and the International Science School. These activities have taught me vital lessons in STEM, leadership, communication, and more." 

"I wish Go For Launch! was longer, I made everlasting friendships, and learned so many new things!"

"If Higher Orbits Go for Launch! comes to a city near you or within driving distance, I enthusiastically encourage you to attend. I am so grateful to have been introduced to Ms. Lucas all those years ago and the many opportunities this experience has provided. I challenged myself academically, made meaningful connections, and was inspired to continue my pursuit of

being an astronaut. All students should step out of their comfort zone, and shoot for the stars.The Go for Launch! program allows students to do just that. Aim high, and you just might reach the moon!” 

"In eighth grade, my mom came across an advertisement for a Go for Launch! program in Deerfield, Illinois. I was, and still sort of am, very stubborn and generally refused to try anything new, but for some reason, I knew I needed to do it. Both my mom and I were very surprised at my response, but it eventually led to the most exciting moments of my life. The first time I attended the program in 2017, we lost. But after a whole other year to think of another experiment, I got to come back again and present a whole new idea. This one would eventually lead me and my team to finally win our local event."

"When I attended my first Higher Orbits camp, I had no idea what to expect. I was just a scared freshman whose geometry teacher suggested going to this camp. I had no idea how much those three days would change my life. Not only did I make lifelong friends, but I found something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I fell in love with the space Community, I fell in love with STEM. After my freshman year, I enrolled in engineering and STEM classes. I discovered I want to study aerospace engineering when I go to college in 2 years. None of this would have happened if it weren’t for this amazing program."

"Go for Launch! gave me a wonderful basis for teamwork and leadership skills. It showed me how to make my dreams real. Go for Launch! inspired me to jump an extra step into STEAM, which I am still pursuing to this day. "

"Go for Launch! is a fantastic program. I was exposed to the real science of working in the field of space science, and I enjoyed it tremendously. The program Ms. Lucas put together has inspired me to further pursue space science on my own through high school internship opportunities and other summer space-themed programs. (I even started an aerospace club at my high school so I could share the space love with others of a like mind!)" 

"Go for Launch! is unique because it isn’t just a STEM competition. Students spent much of the event interacting with people who have made science their lives. We learned from those who were once just like us, including a real astronaut. Getting to watch presentations made by remarkable scientists and an astronaut and then actually getting to talk to them personally isn’t something that happens every day. Knowing all they are accomplishing and then learning that they started their journey, much like us, gave me hope for my future. I began to realize that I don’t need to go to a STEM school to be successful. A love of learning and determination to always do my best will make the difference."