ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando-based nonprofit organization aimed at encouraging kids across the country to get interested in space has officially launched.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Since 2015, SpaceKids Global has been dedicated to educating elementary school-aged children in STEAM+ curriculum (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics and environment) and encouraging them to pursue careers in space technology and exploration.
READ: It’s mating season: FWC asking people to report sighting of horseshoe crabs for research
They recently announced an essay competition for students between the ages of 8 and 12 years old offering the top prize of a ZERO-G Experience at Kennedy Space Center, valued at more than $8,000.
The competition invites kids across the country to explain in writing, “Why I want to go to space.”
Participants must be legal residents of the U.S. and enrolled in public, private, parochial or home school.
READ: Florida Lottery launches new scratch-off game with record-breaking top prize
Entries are required to be between 800 and 1,200 words, written in a Microsoft Word document in 12-point font. They have to be submitted to info@spacekidsglobal.com by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 14.
Judges for the competition include representatives from high-profile organizations in the space industry.
“It’s been proven that if children aren’t exposed to math and science by age seven, it’s highly unlikely they will develop an interest in it,” SpaceKids Global Founder Sharon Hagle said. “With opportunities like these national competitions, we are bringing space to kids. We hope to help build a new generation of well-rounded individuals and future leaders to fulfill the 3.5 million STEM jobs predicted by 2025.”
To date, SpaceKids says they’ve reached nearly 100,000 kids.
READ: Caribe Royale Orlando holding hiring event in preparation for spring break
For more information, including a full list of the competition’s judges, click here.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.