MEET CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER OF ALASKA
In the aftermath of the Challenger accident, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to the belief that they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
Challenger Center and its global network of Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Challenger Learning Center of Alaska (CLCA) is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in operation since April 2000. Located in Kenai, Alaska; CLCA is the thirty-ninth center in the Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education international network, a program created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts lost in the Challenger 51-L mission.
CLCA was created to meet the educational needs of students throughout Alaska. Using simulated space and earth science missions, distance education and hands-on workshops, CLCA inspires youth to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and to consider careers in these fields. Through a variety of hands on mediums, participants work in an environment that spans academic areas while learning valuable skills in problem solving, communication, and teamwork.
The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska is a vital and valuable educational resource for our state and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. CLCA is in a position to be the leading resource in STEM education for Alaska’s educators and home school organizations with comprehensive curriculum aligned with state standards and grade level expectations, combined with training, reference materials, and classroom support.
A proud part of the Challenger Center Network
As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center and its international network of more than 40 Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning environment to engage students in dynamic, hands-on opportunities. These experiences strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Learning Center of Alaska is part of the global network that reaches hundreds of thousands of students and tens of thousands of teachers each year. Founded in 1986, Challenger Center was created to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51L.
Thank you for the support from our Board of Directors
Tim Dillon,
KPEED
Art Isham,
Alaska Aeospace, retired
Melissa Galloway, Treasurer
Northrim Bank
Jake Arness, Secretary
Udelhoven
Ron Hyde,
PRL Logistics and the Cannery Lodge
Kurt Olson,
Former State Legislator
Nick Kelly,
Paramedic
Chantelle Carter,
Ohio Department of Education
Ilkan Cokgor,
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Meet Our Team!
Marnie Olcott
marnie.olcott@akchallenger.org
Marnie Olcott was born in a small town in central Oregon, moving with her family to Anchorage Alaska when she was 12 years old. During High School, Olcott moved out of Alaska and lived in California, Oregon and Colorado before returning back to Alaska full time with her two (2) children in 2000 upon the completion of a full service lodge built and operated by Olcott, mother, and sister. Olcott joined the team at the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska (CLCA) in 2006 as a part time Flight Director/Educator. From 2007-2010, Marnie served as the Chief Operating Officer for CLCA and in July of 2010 accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Olcott manages budgets, oversees operations, training, facility and management staff of the Center. Under Olcott’s management, CLCA has implemented and expanded outreach, on-site and distance based educational programs, curriculum development, community programs and partnerships in the ongoing mission to inspire and engage Alaska’s youth in the STEM fields. Over the last ten (10) years, Olcott has built and integrated a successful Industry based training operation creating a lasting revenue stream to fund statewide educational efforts. CLCA is recognized as a leading resource for STEM Education across Alaska. Olcott has a proven track record in both creating and managing overall operating budgets, project budgets and reporting. Under Olcott’s leadership, CLCA has been the recipient of many state and federal grants. CLCA is an affiliate member of the Alaska Space Grant Consortium, receiving, successfully implementing and reporting on annual grants. Over the course of 20 years, Challenge has been the recipient of multiple NASA grants. All grants have been successfully implemented and in complete compliance.
Colette Gilmour
Colette.gilmour@akchallenger.org
Colette moved from upstate New York to start her new adventures in Alaska in 2013. Since then she has taken on many administrative roles, starting with serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA, developing the sustainability of homeless teen shelters in Fairbanks. With a natural curiosity in STEM, a bachelor’s degree in Advertising Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology, experience in program development and marketing, and her love for kids, Colette became the Computer Tech Lab Lead for two years, teaching k-5th graders at Fort Wainwright, and Fort Drum School Age Services, in 2014. In her program, Colette created and administered STEM activities, multiple 4-H clubs, and taught computer skills. Along with other positions she’s held, and her own commercial photography business, Colette has done marketing for multiple local businesses over the years; directing and filming marketing videos, creating imagery and promos, events and fundraising, and writing social media and website content. Colette is excited to be a part of the CLCA team. “You know it is something special when you see excitement in students and adults alike when they step into our center. Not to mention, I get to occasionally play with them!” When time allows, Colette loves enjoying the coastal beaches the peninsula has to offer, going hiking, fishing, and working in her ever-expanding vegetable garden. Among photography, baking is also something Colette greatly enjoys; making scratch pies and bread. Secretly, Colette dreams of opening her own bakery one day…along with a ferret rescue.
Rebecca Absher
rebecca.absher@akchallenger.org
Becky has a unique background, with 27 years experience teaching sixth through twelfth grade in the state of Virginia. For nineteen of those years, Becky was the sole science teacher at Mount Rogers Combined School, located at the highest point in the Mountains of Virginia! Astronomy is her favorite subject to teach because she gets to share the wonders of some of the grandest and most beautiful phenomena in the Universe. Becky moved to Alaska in July of 2019, where she has been able to enjoy some of her favorite hobbies, hiking and canoeing with her family, and taking pictures of wildlife and flowers on her adventures. When Becky has downtime, her family can attest that her secret talent is knitting hats with a loom. Everyone in her family has a hat she made specifically for each of them! Becky is excited to be a part of a team of educators that carry on the legacy of Challenger’s mission; teaching and inspiring students of all ages. She is especially looking forward to learning how to lead mission simulations. Becky says, “This is my dream job, teaching informal science activities to students who are as enthusiastic about learning science as I am about teaching it.”
Cassie Carver-Savok
cassie.carversavok@akchallenger.org
Although not born in Alaska, Cassie is definitely Alaska-raised, growing up in Tok since she was two years old. Living in a small town has given Cassie a strong bond with her family and revealed her passion for helping others. After Cassie met her husband, they moved to the Kenai Peninsula, where she enjoyed working around youth at the Boys and Girls Club. On her time off, Cassie stays busy being creative. She likes cooking and baking and searching for unique rocks. A special talent of Cassie’s is crafting, which includes making macromere bracelets and key chains. Along with her husband, the other two loving family members at home are their two cats, who like to keep things interesting. Cassie enjoys working at the Challenger Learning Center because of all the interesting and fun things that are taught. She says, “It’s not just for the youth but for many ages. You are never too old to learn new things.”
Melissa Towarak
melissa.towarak@akchallenger.org
Molly Dischner
molly.dischner@akchallenger.org
Jodie Titus
jodie.titus@akchallenger.org
Living in Alaska the past thirty years, Jodie, her husband and three daughters keep very busy. Taking care of her family is what Jodie values the most. Jodie is a natural nurturer at heart, starting her career working in a nursing home and then as a camp counselor. Her career as a caregiver expanded when she moved to alaska, working for over thirty years with Hearts and Hands of Care; servicing children, senior citizens and special needs of all ages. Growing up in Minnesota, Jodie still loves camping in her free time with family and friends, and getting into a good book. Challenger has been blessed having JT as a Flight Director for over a decade. Her dedication and knowledge of science and space is greatly reflected in the classes she teaches. Her special talent is always being able to get kids to willingly participate in activities because she creates such a fun environment.
Greg Olcott
greg.olcott@akchallenger.org
Greg Olcott was born in a small town in northern Vermont, before moving to Alaska in 1998, Olcott grew up on a dairy farm and eventually worked summers installing in-ground swimming pools. After high school Olcott attended Vermont Technical College for pre-tech courses and a year of electrical engineering. Deciding to change course Olcott then attended Southern Maine Technical College and received a degree in the HVACR trade. Olcott worked in a machine shop running and programming machines before finding his desired HVACR job. Seven years later in 1998, Olcott purchased land and relocated to Alaska where he resides to this date. Shortly after arriving in Alaska, Olcott acquired his construction/contracting license and had since been involved in the trade. Olcott has extensive knowledge in all aspects of construction, including estimating, designing and building. As an extreme outdoorsman and hunter, Olcott took his existing knowledge of safety and survival and expanded in 2010, acquiring necessary training and certifications to perform industry accepted Marine and Aviation safety training to cover a wide spectrum of oilfield and commercial fisherman and emergency services operations. Olcott has been involved in every aspect of building CSET operations at the Challenger Center, from instruction to administration to building clients relations and maintaining US and International relationships and certifications.
John Espy
john.espy@akchallenger.org
We Value your Support!
Join our Mission by sponsoring a program or making a donation.
Have training or experience teaching?
Love kids?
Have a passion for STEM and space education?
Send us your resume to inquire about an Educator position, marnie.olcott@akchallenger.org
Serve on Challenger Learning Center of Alaska’s Board of Directors!
Challenger Learning Center of Alaska’s (CLCA) Board is currently accepting applications. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to be an active member of the community. We are seeking individuals who are passionate and dedicated to serve on our volunteer Board of Directors, whom share CLCA’s main mission, “To inspire students to look beyond the ordinary, imagine the unattainable and answer those seemingly impossible questions through the pursuit of higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). All ages are encouraged, and those with experience in nonprofits, finance, community outreach and education. Challenger Learning Center of Alaska Board members are responsible for, but not limited to, attending and participating in board meetings once a month, to advocate for the organization, maintain and oversee focus on the mission and implementation of strategic direction in support of the organization, and establish policies for how resources will be delegated to safeguard organizational values, function, and sustainability. All inquiries must send a resume to CEO, Marnie Olcott at marnie.olcott@akchallenger.org
