ALLEGANY, N.Y. — The Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region has announced that its “Igniting the Future” capital campaign has reached a major milestone, securing 91% of its $375,000 goal. This momentum follows the overwhelming success of the recent “Elf Engineering Lab,” a holiday-themed STEM workshop that sold out only one week after registration opened.

The Elf Engineering Lab transformed the center into a North Pole outpost where students in grades K-4 became “Elf Engineers.” Participants engaged in hands-on, festive challenges designed to foster teamwork, creativity and critical thinking. From designing solutions to tricky North Pole problems to exploring the science behind their inventions, the young creators experienced firsthand the immersive STEAM education that defines the center’s mission.

“The energy at the Elf Engineering Lab was incredible, and seeing it sell out so quickly underscores the community’s demand for high-quality STEM programming,” said Reann Ehman, director of the Challenger Learning Center. “This success directly fuels our drive to complete our capital campaign, which will allow us to modernize our facilities to better serve these aspiring innovators.”

The “Igniting the Future” campaign is dedicated to revolutionizing the center’s learning environment. Key objectives for the funds include:

•  Technology Upgrades: Replacing aging computers, monitors, and software within the space-themed simulator.
• Facility Revitalization: Replacing worn flooring and repainting the entire center to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere.
• Modern Furnishings: Upgrading outdated desks and chairs in Mission Control to create an inspiring workspace for students.

As the center looks toward the new year, registration is open for Winter Camps coming in February, 2026. These camps will continue the center’s tradition of offering immersive, hands-on experiences that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Supporters can help the Challenger Learning Center reach the final 9% of its capital campaign goal by donating online. For more information on upcoming Winter Camps or to contribute to the “Igniting the Future” campaign, please visit https://challengertwintiers.org.