An illuminating new program leaves dreamers and science educators beaming with inspiration.
This program, called Stellar Dreams, is run by the non-profit organization The Science Haven. Underrepresented and underprivileged families will be gifted 100 telescopes to encourage interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Founded by molecular biologist Raven Baxter, The Science Haven supports the vision of creating an inclusive space for all shades of science dialogue and effective connections between diverse communities. Through its expanding platform of events, educational programs, web series, workshops, and public discussions, The Science Haven is committed to promoting the accessibility of science and creating inclusive environments where perspectives, ideas, and opinions can be voiced.
Stellar Dreams is the nonprofit’s latest focus, starting with its recent launch in Buffalo, New York, targeting 100 disadvantaged grades 5-12 across America. is an intriguing project that provides 100 beginner-friendly Celestron telescopes to 100-year-olds and their families. In addition to donating telescopes, Stellar Dreams also offers recipients the chance to become members of its young astronomer training program, teaching them how to use new astronomy tools and providing information about free citizen science research in astronomy.
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Led by executive director Baxter and Gamble, a NASA astrophysicist, Stellar Dreams captured the world’s attention with its innovative outreach effort. The duo was recently selected for the Astronaut Rock Star Award by Uniphi Good on National Astronaut Day for being cornerstones of support and pioneering voices in space exploration and STEM/STEAM education. (The “A” in STEAM stands for “art.”)
“The genesis of the Star Dreams Program was a really small seed that grew and grew,” Baxter told Space.com. “To grow from a simple idea last July to a successful and award-winning project in six to nine months is a huge accomplishment. I am extremely honored and grateful for the support we have been able to garner behind Stellar Dreams.
“STEM programs do a good job, but I see too much repetition and repetition. As someone who participates as a facilitator, participant, or evaluator, I believe STEM programs deserve more innovation. Today’s children need bigger challenges, better opportunities, and innovation. I remember my own childhood and exposure to I thought some of the things I did in my stay got me interested in STEM and I remembered my grandparents taking their telescope out in the sunroom and I tried to look at things during the day but I couldn’t because their house was in the woods and I couldn’t look behind the trees.
“So I used it indoors to look at objects very closely, and that’s how I became interested in molecules. When I got my PhD in science education, I learned about all the literature supporting telescopes and early access to telescopes. The tools and resources really have a measurable impact on whether someone pursues a STEM career.” owner.”
Gamble is the program director of Stellar Dreams. Feeling that this project was compatible with his own career initiatives, he joined us as an active stakeholder.
“Raven is really good at giving the Bat Signal,” he told Space.com. “He was telling me about this idea, and I thought it was great. Stellar Dreams hit so close to home for me. Being a black astrophysicist myself, I know the numbers. I was one of those kids. Now I can put my expertise to good use. I know they want these kinds of telescopes and these things in the night sky.” I know they want to be able to look and have access to the local astronomy community.
“I put some of my artistic talents to use and through our sponsors and partnerships, I designed little astronomy cards and posters for them so they had something tangible, and I was able to bring NASA merchandise and stickers. They got a big bag of goodies. The Buffalo Astronomy Society helps provide telescope training.” happened and organized a planetarium show and we were able to directly involve children as young members of the association.
This ambitious project met its goal of acquiring 100 telescopes, but they are still fundraising for programming costs after launching with 25 Buffalo students.
“We intend to continue this program in other cities in the D.C. area and in North Carolina,” Baxter said. “I’m kind of a hometown hero, and it felt really good to give back to the community that invested so much in me. Those kids’ faces were so bright and happy, and their families were deeply involved in our program. I get updates from the families, and they’re grateful for the opportunity. The telescope is a gift to them.” It’s kind of a status symbol, but at the same time, these families have something special and I totally agree with them.”
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Stellar Dreams buyers are gifted a solid mid-range Celestron Travel Scope 80 telescope. The scope also offers a phone holder that allows students to take photos with their smartphones. The comprehensive kit comes with a starttracker app and a small laser star finder.
“Some of these kids had never touched a telescope before,” Gamble said. “They didn’t know there were lenses and mirrors inside one. So they put together their own telescope and started going out and using it with larger telescopes that other people were bringing in and asking questions to experts like me. Growing up as one of these kids and now being able to give them a telescope, it was just perfect for me.” “It was a turning point, my involvement with the Stellar Dreams initiative really helped me, I got a NASA agency medal, it’s one of the best, so I’m forever grateful.”
For more information about the Stellar Dreams Project, partnership opportunities, and how to donate to this worthy cause, visit them at their online headquarters.