El Segundo, Calif. – Paper rockets soared through the skies over Los Angeles Air Force Base thanks to 125 fifth graders from Hawthorne, California’s Ramona Elementary School. The elementary students participated in Space Systems Command’s STEM event celebrating U.S. Space Force’s 5th Anniversary. Students cultivated an understanding of Space Force by designing, building and launching paper rockets and talking with SSC senior leaders during their recent visit to the base on Nov. 12.

“As military leaders and representatives in the area, we take pride in connecting and giving back to our community,” said USSF Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, commander, SSC. “Promoting the importance of STEM through fun activities like paper rocket builds and launches is a great way to experience the Guardian spirit while inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts and engineers.”

Guardians across the Space Force are encouraged to promote STEM in their local communities and in the communities where they are based to support the future of not only the Space Force but also other miliary branches and local industry.

“We want to have a positive impact and really shape the leaders of tomorrow whether that’s for the Space Force or any STEM career field to include medical,” said Nicole Palmer, director for SSC’s STEM program. “Our goal is to encourage our youth to take an interest in science, math, engineering and technology so we have a strong talent pool for the future.”

Garrant and SSC’s Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Sauvé were peppered with questions about the Space Force during their panel session. Sauvé shared her experience serving in the U.S. Army after graduating high school. She later transitioned to the Space Force and compared the challenges of standing up a new service with the difficulties students might face working towards their educational goals.

“Every great journey begins with the courage to start which takes a lot of work and dedication,” said Sauvé. “Whether you dream of becoming an astronaut, serving our country, or changing the world, you have the power to turn your aspirations into reality.”

Sauvé, whose parents are Mexican immigrants, entered elementary school speaking only Spanish. She overcame adversity to become the top senior enlisted USSF Guardian at SSC. Her childhood experience resonated with students and became a powerful tool that connected her with the fifth graders.

“Ramona Elementary has mostly minority students,” said Mayra Tellez, Ramona Elementary School teacher. “It is important for students to see a role model that looks like them so they understand that this is something they can achieve. One of my students after listening to Chief Sauvé said, ‘Oh, I can do what she does?’ and I said of course you can!”

Students toured the recently installed Centaur III upper stage rocket artifact, as well as a Scorpius rocket, Armillary display, and a satellite from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

Layesanna Rivera, director, SSC Heritage Center, shared her excitement for all things space with the students during their tour.

“My hope is for students to walk away from this event with a greater interest in engineering and math — and space! Viewing these space artifacts allows them to see what you can accomplish if you work hard and dream big,” said Rivera.

The Space Force is part of the Department of the Air Force, which depends on a diverse and innovative group of professionals. According to the DAF’s ‘Air and Space STEM Outreach Strategic Plan,’ a nationwide shortage of STEM talent, spanning across various science and technology industries, means potentially losing our nation’s competitive advantage and risking our national security.

Exposing young people to science at an early age is key. When it comes to fostering a strong passion and interest in technical fields, age really does matter.

“Fifth grade is the actual sweet spot to get students into STEM,” said Palmer. “If you’re not attentive to STEM by this level, it gets harder and harder to spark that interest.”

Ramona Elementary School, a Title 1 school that receives federal funding to improve academic achievement especially for low-income households, is less than three miles from LAAFB.

Through programs like SSC’s Space STEM, students are introduced to STEM by participating in science-based activities and hearing about the Space Force and what they do in the local community.

“Our students are learning about rockets and space,” said Tellez. “I’m really encouraging the students to go into math and science-based employment, especially the female students because they are underrepresented in STEM fields. This event is giving them the background and knowledge they need to consider when they enter high school.”

SSC’s STEM program provides engagement opportunities year-round and participates in USSF’s Stem to Space program mid-November to December. Local area educators interested in SSC STEM engagements can email [email protected]. Educators outside the local area can email [email protected] or visit https://dodstem.us/ for more information.

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.