STEMtoSpace: Investing in the Space Force future

Col. Sacha Tomlinson, STARCOM Test Enterprise Division Chief speaks to a class of Indiana seniors virtually in support of the STEMtoSpace Program. The STEMtoSpace program’s goal is to invest in the nation’s youth, and show them the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics oriented education and the opportunities those fields present within the Space Force.

STEMtoSpace: Investing in the Space Force future

Col. Sacha Tomlinson, STARCOM Test Enterprise Division Chief poses with students in Colorado following STEMtoSpace Program speaking engagement. The STEMtoSpace program’s goal is to invest in the nation’s youth, and show them the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics oriented education and the opportunities those fields present within the Space Force.

STEMtoSpace: Investing in the Space Force future

Lt. Col. Joan Thomspon, 13th Delta Operations Squadron Commander poses with students in Montgomery, Ala. following STEMtoSpace Program speaking engagement. The STEMtoSpace program’s goal is to invest in the nation’s youth, and show them the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics oriented education and the opportunities those fields present within the Space Force.

STEMtoSpace: Investing in the Space Force future

Lt. Col. Joan Thomspon, 13th Delta Operations Squadron Commander speaks with students in Montgomery, Ala. in support of the STEMtoSpace Program. The STEMtoSpace program’s goal is to invest in the nation’s youth, and show them the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics oriented education and the opportunities those fields present within the Space Force.

STEMtoSpace: Investing in the Space Force future

Published Dec. 15, 2021
By Space Training and Readiness Command Public Affairs Office

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Leaders from Space Training and Readiness Command participated in the community outreach program STEMtoSpace, intended to introduce students to the United States Space Force mission. The STEMtoSpace program’s goal is to invest in the nation’s youth, and show them the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics oriented education and the opportunities those fields present within the Space Force.

Lt. Col. Joan Thompson, 13th Delta Operations Squadron Commander and Col. Sacha Tomlinson, STARCOM Test Enterprise Division Chief visited schools in their local communities to demonstrate how the Space Force is already making an impact on their lives.

“Seniors particularly enjoyed subject matter applicable to their computer programming course work and I was able to share some of my experiences with software development and testing,” said Tomlinson, “On the whole, I think the students were pretty excited to learn about the Space Force and what we do..”

While initial engagements took place local to Guardians, the program is looking to expand, reaching out nationwide to schools where a Space Force presence is limited.

“Thanks to technology and satellite communications, we’re able to speak to students anywhere.” said Thompson. “If we sparked the interest of just one student during these engagements, then it was time well spent. The students’ excitement was palpable, and it was such a joy to engage with them.”

From 2nd graders in New Mexico to a class of honors seniors in Twin Lakes, Indiana, the STEMtoSpace program is making an impact virtually.

“The second graders were so enthusiastic about Space! I was surprised by the really smart questions they asked.” said Tomlinson, “The Indiana high schoolers were really career-focused, and wanted to know all about where we serve, what a typical Space officer’s day looks like, and the training and education they need to join the Space Force.”

If your school participated in a STEMtoSpace event, feel free to share your experience on social media and tag @SpaceForceDoD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Use #STEMtoSpace.