SpaceKids Global, a Florida-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating elementary school-aged children in STEAM+ (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics and environment) today announces its 2022 National Essay Competition for students aged eight to 12, with the theme of “Why I want to go to Space.” Entries for the competition open on February 15, 2022, and judges for the competition include representatives from high profile space industry organizations. Click here for a full list of judges.
 
On May 6, 2022, coinciding with National Space Day, two children will be announced as winners based on their essay submissions and will win a ZERO-G Experience® ($8,200+ value), a one-of-a-kind opportunity to feel true weightlessness without going to space on a specially modified Boeing 727 airplane. 
SpaceKids Global’s goal is to actively engage elementary students in STEAM+ and inspire them to pursue careers in space exploration and technology. To date, SpaceKids Global has reached more than 96,500 kids as the organization expands their reach to engage more children 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. Our primary goal through SpaceKids is to reach kids at a young age and introduce them to all of the careers available in the space industry,” stated Sharon Hagle, Founder of SpaceKids Global. “The world we live in revolves around technology, and the US is ranked significantly lower than other countries in math and science. 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 3.5M STEM jobs predicted by 2025.” 
Essay entries are open from February 15 to March 14, 2022, and entrants must follow the following criteria: 

  • Topic: Narrative of students’ dream of why they want to go to space, the quest for the stars and how a flight on ZERO-G would impact that

  • Length: No less than 800 words and no more than 1,200 words

  • Format: All essay entries must be written in a Microsoft Word document in 12-inch font

  • Must be the original work of the student 

  • Student must be enrolled in public, private, parochial or home school

  • Student must be ages 8 – 12 on February 15, 2022

  • Student has to be a legal resident of the United States 

“Being part of SpaceKids’ essay competition is truly special for our organization, to provide our once-in-a-lifetime ZERO-G Experience to two students the opportunity to experience true weightlessness and the feeling of being a real-life astronaut. We are proud to partner with SpaceKids and believe in its work to awareness to STEAM+ careers and encourage our future generation. We are dedicated to harnessing the incredible social impact of ZERO-G within communities and also in the advancement of science and education to inspire others to join in our excitement for space exploration.” Amanda Long, Director of Philanthropy, Zero Gravity Corporation.
All essay entries should be submitted to info@spacekidsglobal.com by Monday, March 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET. For more information, visit www.spacekids.global. 
About SpaceKids Global: 
SpaceKids Global is a Florida based, national nonprofit, with the mission to educate and actively engage a national audience of elementary students in STEAM+ environment activities, that inspire them to pursue careers in space exploration and technology. For more information, visit https://www.spacekids.global