ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – With STEM careers projected to grow nearly 11% by 2031—twice the rate of all other jobs—one Central Florida nonprofit is preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities.
SpaceKids Global, founded by Sharon Hagle, aims to ignite a love for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) in young students, ensure girls are equally represented, and empower them to see space as an accessible frontier.
A visit to SpaceKids Global’s headquarters showcases Hagle’s passion for space, with mementos like a crew photo from her 2022 flight aboard Blue Origin’s NS-20.
Hagle describes space travel as “the most emotional and spiritual journey you will ever take...it changes you.” Her own journey fuels her mission to inspire future space professionals and prepare students for an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
“It’s going to be very challenging to prepare these kids for space,” Hagle said. “Seventy percent of future jobs aren’t even known yet. So, how do you train somebody? How do you get them prepared? You’ve got to get them excited at a young age.”
A shared vision with new CEO Maryann Barry
Joining Hagle is SpaceKids Global’s new CEO, Maryann Barry, a self-described “space geek.” Barry is a Space Coast native who grew up watching Mercury and Gemini launches. “For me, this is a full-circle moment,” Barry says. “It’s an opportunity to take my love for inspiring kids to the next level.”
Barry is focused on expanding SpaceKids Global’s programming to reach more students and create an even greater impact.
“There are a lot of exciting things on the launch pad for 2025,” Barry said. “We want every child to believe they have a place in the future, especially as space and technology grow at such an incredible pace.”
The Press Squad: Young reporters covering a real rocket launch
One of SpaceKids Global’s newest initiatives is the Press Squad, a team of eight young reporters from across the country, including representatives from Boys and Girls Clubs and families of first responders and military members. For many, it’s their first visit to Florida and the Kennedy Space Center. Each child will receive a press kit and official credentials, guiding them through a hands-on experience as space reporters covering a Blue Origin launch.
“They’re going to have to show their credentials, go to the press area, and raise their hands to ask rocket scientists and engineers questions,” Hagle said. “It’s a chance to shift them from spectators to participators.”
Creating space dreams for the next generation
SpaceKids Global has already given students opportunities like sending 21 science projects to the International Space Station and organizing zero-gravity flight experiences. Hagle and Barry both see these experiences as life-changing for students.
“We want to ignite a fire in these children to reach for the stars and make their own space dreams come true,” Barry said.. “And if they don’t have space dreams, I want them to get some.”
Looking forward, Hagle adds that the rapidly advancing technology means more career possibilities for today’s students, from welders and farmers in space to engineers and reporters.
“Space is our future,” Hagle said. “And I want children everywhere to feel the same sense of wonder and inspiration I did when I watched rockets launch as a child.”
With new programs planned for 2025 and beyond, SpaceKids Global is determined to make STEAM education accessible to all, inspiring the next generation to explore the vast possibilities of space—and maybe even help lead humanity to Mars.
Since founding SpaceKids Global in 2015 Hagle has reached more than 866,000 students around the world. To learn more about SpaceKids Global, click here.
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