U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) STEM Outreach is lighting the path for tomorrow’s rocket scientists, engineers, and innovators. From bustling Los Angeles to quiet corners of rural Tennessee, and now across the Pacific to Japan, SSC STEM is delivering imaginative, hands-on programming that introduces young students to the wonders of space. Aimed at pre-K through sixth grade, the program sparks curiosity and builds core memories that inspire a lifelong passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
“After tremendous success stateside, we expanded our reach overseas focusing on DoD students, families and educators in Japan,” said SSC STEM director Nikki Palmer, who also serves as SSC's chief engineer for Science and Engineering Workforce Development.
SSC’s STEM team brought their signature energy to Mitsui Gardens International Preschool at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and DoD Education Authority schools at Yokota AB. The welcome was nothing short of heartwarming, thanks to the enthusiastic support of U.S. Space Forces-Japan Commander Col. Ryan Laughton, Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Kaoru Elliot, Senior Master Sgt., Aldrin Smith, U.S. Space Force Guardians, and local educators.
“We’re passionate about inspiring the next generation by sharing our knowledge, experience and love for space technology,” said Laughton. “We want to help empower students to dream big and contribute to the important mission of the Space Force.”
Students’ excursion in space started with Nicole Tibbetts, a New York University Tisch-trained actor and STEM specialist, transforming into the whimsical Ms. Bits N’ Bobs. Dressed in a toy-covered space cloak, she led 53 preschoolers, 14 teachers, and 25 diplomat parents on a journey through space, complete with original songs and music. The children learned rocket anatomy by becoming rockets themselves with arms forming triangles as fairings and releasing imaginary satellites into orbit.
“My son is still talking about going to space with Ms. Bits N’ Bobs,” said one parent who attended the STEM event.
The momentum carried over to Yokota West and Joan K. Mendel Elementary Schools, where more than 400 students dove into launch science basics by learning how rockets work, how satellites are launched, and how physics influences space travel, all through an accessible and engaging format.
Students put their training to work designing, building and launching paper rockets. USSF Guardians measured launch distances, distributed patches and pins, and declared students Junior Guardians.
SSC STEM Outreach team also hosted a Q&A session with U.S. Space Forces-Japan leadership where students peppered the Guardians with thoughtful and sometimes challenging questions.
“Have you ever launched a missile?”
“How do you protect satellites from space junk?”
“Do you have astronomers in the Space Force?”
“What math do I need to join Space Force?”
Underneath all the fun lies a serious mission: building a strong, STEM-literate generation that will carry the torch of space innovation.
“Every school we visit wants us to return,” said Tibbetts. “We aim not only to inspire students, but also to support teachers with the tools to educate STEM confidently and creatively.”
That philosophy inspired the creation of “8toGrrr8t,” a resource program developed with Master Instructors from the Department of the Air Force that helps teachers integrate STEM learning into everyday curriculum, turning inspiration into sustained impact.
“Each child leaves the program with a rocket, a head full of dreams, and a new title: Junior Guardian,” said Palmer. “They become ambassadors of STEM and space innovation, igniting curiosity in their families and communities.”
Launched during the pandemic in early 2021, SSC STEM Outreach has reached more than 44,000 students. The Department of the Air Force recognized the group with the DAF Team Award and STEM Advocate of the Year. SSC STEM’s small but mighty 4-person team has proven that bold missions can start small.
“To lead in space, we must invest time and resources in STEM outreach,” said Deidra Eberhardt, director of SSC’s Atlas enterprise that oversees SSC’s STEM program and workforce development. “Developing a workforce that inherently employs innovation, resilience, and technical excellence starts with capturing imaginations early. SSC STEM Outreach builds that foundation, connecting young minds to the mission, values, and vision of the space enterprise in a way no textbook can. These children are our future scientists, engineers and Space Force Guardians.”