Challenger Learning Center at Paducah part of WKEC grant to develop nuclear workforce education program

The West Kentucky Educational Cooperative has been awarded $1.9 million from the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority to support a regional initiative aimed at preparing students in far West Kentucky for careers in the growing nuclear energy sector.

The grant program, titled the WKEC Nuclear Energy Education and Workforce Plan, will focus on developing a sustainable, STEM-focused K-12 education program designed to build a skilled workforce pipeline for nuclear energy careers, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

WKEC will collaborate with educators, community leaders, higher education institutions and industry partners to implement the program. The initiative will expand STEM learning, technical training and workforce development opportunities across the region.

The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah will play a key role by facilitating hands-on simulated space missions and STEM-related activities for all sixth-grade students within the grant area. Through these experiences, students will apply skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking in real-world scenarios.

“We are honored that WKEC sees the value of our program and included us in the grant,” said Mellisa Duncan, center director of the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah. “The mission of our center is to improve the quality of STEM education in our region. This funding will allow every student to experience our program during their school career.”

Participating districts include Ballard County, Carlisle County, Hickman County, Fulton County, Fulton Independent, Mayfield Independent, Graves County, McCracken County, Paducah Public, Marshall County, Murray Independent and Livingston County schools. Together, these districts serve more than 20,000 students.

The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah is part of a global network of more than 30 centers. Located on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, the center opened Aug. 16, 2002, and has provided immersive STEM experiences simulating missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.

For more information, visit clcpaducah.org.