The goal of "Go For Launch!," a three-day program for students in grades eight through 12, is to inspire tomorrow’s scientists and engineers by illustrating numerous opportunities that exist in STEAM-related careers. Deep learning happens when young people have hands-on experiences with real-world implications. At Durham County Library, we know that libraries are uniquely positioned to create opportunities for expanded access to these kinds of high-quality, transformative experiences, and we are committed to doing that.

Run in collaboration with the nonprofit Higher Orbits, students were immersed in the wonder of human space flight through a variety of tasks delivered by experts in the fields of space and STEAM. Speakers included astronauts, former International Space Station and space shuttle flight controllers, astronaut instructors, scientists and engineers. A unique facet of "Go For Launch!" is that students worked with an astronaut for all three days of the program.

Students participated in collaborative activities and developed the idea for a space experiment they presented to a panel of judges in the space and STEAM fields. After the success of the first program, at least four more "Go For Launch!" programs will be held at Durham County Library. Winners from each will compete to have their experiment launched to the International Space Station. It’s guaranteed that an experiment from Durham will be launched to space.