On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride (Ph.D.) became the first American woman to go to space, serving as a crew member aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. The female physicist, who was 32 at the time of her mission, has since become one of NASA’s most famous trailblazers. The former astronaut, now 61, became involved with NASA’s space program after responding to a newspaper advertisement seeking applicants. She joined the program in 1978.
Today, Dr. Ride is the President and CEO of Sally Ride Science™, an innovative science education company she established in 2001 with a team of other women scientists.
Sally Ride Science™ is designed to ignite students’ interests in science, technology, engineering, and math through innovative classroom materials, programs, and professional development at the elementary and middle school levels. A key part of their corporate mission is to make a difference in girls’ lives, and in society’s perceptions of their roles in technical fields.
Brava to Dr. Ride for continuing to break down barriers and push the limits of possibility for women and girls.