The Coalition for Space Exploration presented a group of graduating seniors from the University of Kansas (KU) School of Journalism with a challenge: How do we interest today’s youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and how do we build support for America’s ongoing space exploration program? The ability to understand and apply STEM is critical to our nation’s future, as it creates an educated workforce capable of meeting future challenges.

These KU journalism students tackled this challenge as their senior capstone project – dividing into groups to develop campaigns that encourage young students to pursue STEM studies and ultimately careers in aerospace and science-related fields.

The result? Showcased below are the four creative campaigns designed to illustrate the value and benefits of STEM studies and the rewarding careers they offer.

Click here or email David Guth at dguth@ku.edu to learn more about the project.

Thoughts from the Students

I learned much of my life comes from space. My clothes, TV, radio, phone, appliances, etc. Almost everything comes from space. Katy, Explore STEM

If I were to advocate for space exploration to my friends and family, I would tell them that it impacts their everyday lives more than they realize. I would list all of the things invented because of space exploration, and then tell them to imagine their lives without any of those things. It brings a indistinct concept back down to earth. Anna, Supernova

Our space program is the cutting edge of scientific advancements and we haven't been paying enough attention to space exploration since the space race and Apollo missions. Brad, Supernova

I always viewed the US Space Program as this nebulous organization that explored space for scientific purposes and had nothing to do with me. However, after working on this campaign I realized how important space exploration is for the world and all of the amazing discoveries that have resulted from it. Allie, Launch Pad Communications