Educational Programs

MAC Launch

Good people and effective programs enable us to support math and science education in Minneapolis schools. We use proven material that continuously demonstrates successful outcomes. Our MAC Launch program is our most engaging experience. Ten weeks of after-school rocket and balloon building sessions culminate in an immersive six-day trip to the U. S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

We have learned from parents and teachers that the MAC Launch experience contributes to improved levels of performance in math and science from nearly every student who participates. Our greatest hope, however, is that the students will learn how they can use science and math to help accomplish their goals.

FIRST™ LEGO® League

FIRST™ LEGO® League (FLL) is a robotics competition for children ages 9 through 14. Each year a new challenge is introduced. There is a theme, a situation, and a requirement. Each team uses the resources at their disposal to address this requirement. Armed with a $200 robotics kit and a computer, they race against time (about 8 weeks) to design, build, and program a robot.

The students are also challenged to understand global environmental issues, assess situations, and propose solutions. Reports are generated and presentations are made.The competition draws near and everyone scrambles to make last minute adjustments. They show up, give it their all, and leave the competition with valuable feedback from the judges.

Back in the classroom, students study the feedback to understand how effectively they met the evaluative criteria, specified months earlier. FLL is an experience that introduces processes that parallel the technical workplace. It is a challenge, it is rewarding, and it is fun.

Reach for the Stars is a non-profit organization under IRC 501(c)(3) and registered as a charitable corporation with the State of Minnesota.