By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Ad Astra Academies
Ad Astra Academies have partnered with the Cosmosphere to offer Kansas students a hands-on learning opportunity through a newly launched STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Academy. Ad Astra Virtual and Alternative Academies, part of the Buhler USD 313 School District and based in Hutchinson, now offer a hybrid program that combines online learning with hands-on science and technology experiences at the Cosmosphere.
Erica Shook, director of Ad Astra Academy, said the goal is to give students the kind of engaging, real-world learning experiences that are often missing in online education.
“I am always looking for amazing opportunities to provide to our students to give them a one-of-a-kind education,” said Shook. “I have always loved the Cosmosphere. The educators there are amazing and can provide so many really cool hands-on opportunities for kids to bring learning to life.”
The STEAM Academy allows high school students to complete their coursework online during the week while attending in-person lab sessions at the Cosmosphere one day per week. These sessions cover a range of STEAM topics—from aerospace and weather science to robotics and engineering.
Shook emphasized that the program is not limited to students interested in space careers. “Students aren’t just learning about space, it’s so much more. They’re also building models, they’re working with weather balloons, there’s just so many things that they can do.”
The partnership also opens doors to career exploration, thanks to the Cosmosphere’s ties to the aerospace and space industries. Students can access dual-credit options through Kansas State University Salina, Hutchinson Community College, and WSU Tech based on their interests.
While the program just launched, Shook hopes to add a middle school STEAM program in the coming years. “The earlier students are exposed to hands-on learning, the better critical thinkers and problem-solvers they become,” she said.
The program is available to any Kansas student enrolled in Ad Astra Virtual Academy. Aside from a standard enrollment fee, there is no additional cost to families. The only requirement is transportation to and from the Cosmosphere one day each week.
Space is limited to ensure small student-to-teacher ratios, but there is no fixed cap on enrollment at this time. Shook said they aim to maintain a personalized, high-quality experience for each student.
Above all, the STEAM Academy aims to help students find their spark.
“Many young people today are searching for purpose. This program is about helping them find it,” Shook said. “Once that spark is lit, they just take off and the whole world opens up to them.”
More information, including enrollment details and program brochures, is available through Ad Astra Academies.
