SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On May 5, approximately 250 middle-school through high school students visited South Suburban College for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Day that included a live link with astronauts. Students enjoyed remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly of the Second Congressional District, who assisted in setting up the NASA link, as well as from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin who also attended the event.

The STEM event featured a host of interactive activities, demonstrations and booths with STEM professionals excited to engage students about possible careers in the STEM fields. The highlight of this event was a NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Educational Downlink, moderated by astronomers from Adler Planetarium in Chicago, where students had the opportunity to see and speak to U.S. astronauts Commander Tim Kopra and Flight Engineer Jeff Williams live from the International Space Station. Williams launched to the space station March 18 and will live aboard until September. Kopra launched Dec. 15 and will return home in June.

Participating schools included: Arbor Park, Coolidge and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle Schools; Kankakee Montessori, Junior and High Schools; King and Kennedy Upper Grade Centers; Roosevelt Junior High School; St. George School District 258; and STEM Academy.

For questions about STEM programs at SSC, please contact Anna Helwig, STEM Dean, at (708) 210-5706. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.