Gene Kranz, NASA’s second Chief Flight Director, has left a lasting mark on the world of space exploration—one that goes far beyond the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions he once directed. Now in his 90’s, Gene is still active in the space community and often visits Space Center Houston to share inspiring talks about the lessons and impact of human spaceflight.
As the premier destination for space science learning, Space Center Houston uses spaceflight to ignite students’ passion for STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—both in our Houston community and around the world. To celebrate Gene Kranz leadership in the campaign to restore Historic Mission Control and fulfill our mutual commitment to nurturing and inspiring excellence, in 2018 Space Center Houston established the Gene Kranz Space Center U® Scholarship Fund in honor of his legacy.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to help under-resourced students learn about STEM careers through Space Center University (Space Center U®), an immersive program that engages students with hands-on problem solving tied to space-related situations. With Gene Kranz having directed some of NASA’s most notable missions—namely the Apollo 11 Moon landing and the safe return of Apollo 13 astronauts—his legacy embodies the spirit of perseverance and innovation that the scholarship fosters in its recipients.
The world needs passionate, skilled, and in Kranz’s own words, “tough and competent” leaders to become the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and explorers. Space Center Houston is at the forefront of instilling students with such character, offering direct engagement with STEM professionals and many unique educational opportunities. Space Center U is just one of several programs, such as Explorer Camps and Stars & STEM—all designed to provide memorable experiences that inspire students to explore, question, and innovate for the future.
Our educational mission also addresses critical skill gaps in our region and beyond. In the Houston area, only 31% of public and charter school students meet 8th grade-level expectations for math proficiency, and 78% of high school graduates fall short of benchmark readiness for one or more college courses in mathematics, science, reading, or English.
This gap in readiness and engagement puts the future of the space industry particularly at risk. Despite a clear and growing demand for STEM professionals across the globe, there is declining interest and enrollment in related educational programs. This disconnect signals a critical challenge for the Houston region and the world, and it is exactly what Space Center Houston aims to reverse with a broad range of STEM educational programming that leverages our natural fascination with space and spaceflight.
The Gene Kranz Space Center U Scholarship, along with other educational programs supported by our Annual Fund, is a beacon of hope for inspiring students and addressing the skill gap in STEM fields. By capturing the imagination of under-resourced students and providing them with the means to pursue successful careers, these initiatives ensure that curiosity, skill, and passion will live on in the next generation of leaders who follow in the footsteps of heroes like Gene Kranz.
Your support of Space Center Houston directly contributes to a prosperous future of ambition and innovation. The collective impact of our donors, members and community will ensure that the future of space exploration moves forward, bringing the immense benefits of STEM education to students in the Houston area and around the world.
After a mind-blowing first visit to Space Center Houston in 2016, Kirk Nass has been an active donor every year since. Growing up during NASA’s golden era, his immense interest in space and science led him to chemical engineering and a research career with Chevron. As he considered retirement, he realized his youth was incredibly formative in starting him on that path.
“I recognized the importance of learning at a young age and what got me interested in STEM as a young adult,” he says. “I thought about how I could spark that interest in today’s students, especially those who come from under-resourced communities. After learning more about Space Center Houston’s mission, I made the decision to support something worthy.”
Kirk donates to Space Center Houston’s Annual Fund, which supports the Gene Kranz Space Center U Scholarship and other educational programs. “I think Space U is phenomenal,” he says. “I’ve seen their hands-on activities, experiments, and research. A young adult’s mind is like a sponge, and it’s important for them to absorb all the information they can at that age. I give to Space Center Houston because I want students today to have the same opportunities I did.”
With your support and participation, Space Center Houston is able to provide impactful and revealing experiences to nearly 300,000 students and educators each year.
HOURS TODAY
The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!
Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.
