The University of Sunderland’s work with the Aldrin Family Foundation has been recognized for inspiring schoolchildren to become interested in space science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.

The University and the Aldrin Family Foundation, led by Dr Andrew Aldrin, formed the UK’s first Space Learning Hub, delivering space-themed STEMM education to over 2,000 pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds across the north-east. Through Giant Moon Maps™, LEGO® SPIKE™ kits, and expert-led sessions, the program inspires primary pupils to explore space careers and higher education.

The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) has been awarded a grant of up to $4.7 million from the Texas Space Commission’s Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) to scale its Student Satellites in Space (S-Cubed) program into high schools across the state of Texas.

This investment advances AFF’s mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and real-world experiences needed to thrive in STEM careers. It also ensures that the future of space exploration starts in today’s classrooms. The grant will support a five-year rollout of S-Cubed in school districts across Texas.

SUNDERLAND, England – The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) announced a collaboration between the University of Sunderland and its project funders, Sunderland City Council’s children’s services partner Together for Children and the Reece Foundation, to distribute 20 Giant Moon Maps™ to primary schools across the Tyne and Wear region of northeast England. The large, floor-sized maps will expose around 3,600 UK students to the power of space education and help cultivate critical skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).