This document summarizes the Beating the Odds Foundation's leadership program for Fall 2016/2017. The foundation aims to foster student achievement and purpose through hands-on STEM/STEAM education opportunities in partnership with NASA and Challenger Learning Centers. The program increases student engagement in STEM/STEAM fields through curriculum teaching skills like computer science, leadership, and a blueprint for success. It aims to reach over 150,000 students in the next five years to address the growing shortage of STEM professionals in the US.

1. Quarterbacks of Life®
Leadership Program
FALL 2016/2017

2. The Beating the Odds Foundation's mission is to serve
the needs of students by fostering in them the desire to
achieve success in all that they do and to live lives of
purpose and meaning as caring human beings and
builders of caring communities.

3. BEATING THE ODDS
The Beating the Odds Foundation (BTO) is answering our nation’s call for
STEM/STEAM education opportunities that prioritize hands-on learning to
increase student engagement, interest, and achievement in the STEM/
STEAM fields.
BTO’s partnership with NASA, and the Challenger Learning Centers
increases student engagement and exposure in the STEM/STEAM
industries. Through this curriculum, each student participating will learn skills
in computer science, language arts and leadership.
Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator - Must Watch - NASA/BTO Partnership

4. WHY STEM/STEAM?
We want students to know what it
takes to achieve success in
school, career, and life. Therefore,
we seek to give everyone access
to the best kinds of interesting and
advanced STEM/STEAM fields.
We hope to create an opportunity
for students that are not yet aware
of the possibilities in STEM/
STEAM related careers. It’s also an
opportunity to introduce students
to individuals who came from
similar backgrounds, showing
students that anything is possible.

5. OUR PARTNERS STRONGER AS A TEAM

6. “Quarterbacks of Life has inspired me to become an aerospace engineer.
When asked about why I wanted to pursue this career path, it will not be
because, “I always knew,” or that, “I never imagined this is what I would
do.” I will think back to an auditorium in Washington D.C., where I heard
the stories that set my future, revealed my passion, and changed my
life.”
~Michael P. Nutt | Pennsylvania State University | Class of 2020
College of Engineering | Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering

7. OUR PARTNERS
NASA and BTO’s partnership goal is to
enable students to get onto the pathway
toward careers as mathematicians,
scientists, engineers, physicists, and even
astronauts.
The partnership will:
• increase the students STEM/STEAM
knowledge
• challenge students to become critical
thinkers
• teach students a blueprint for success
(Stepping Stones to Success)
• give students a newfound sense of
confidence
• teach teamwork

8. OUR PARTNERS
Challenger Learning Centers for
space science education was
founded in 1986 by the families of
the astronauts who died in the
Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
on January 28, 1986.
The Challenger learning Centers
offer dynamic, hands-on
exploration and discovery
opportunities to students around
the world. These programs equip
students with the knowledge,
confidence, and skills that will help
better our national social and
economic well-being.

9. OUR REACH 45 LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

10. OUR REACH
The Challenger Learning Centers reach into communities around the globe,
engaging more than 400,000 school-age students and 40,000 educators each
year.
The US Army’s JROTC Program uses BTO’s Stepping Stones to
Success curriculum in 2,000 JRORC schools and over 300,000 students
throughout the world.
GOAL: BTO/NASA/Challenger Learning Center’s five year goal for this partnership
is to reach more than 150,000 students with STEM potential, creating a model that
can be replicated in any classrooms, anywhere in the world.

11. 2017 ACTIVITIES
US Army’s JROTC Program | National
ACE Leadership Summit | Antelope Valley, CA
Challenger Learning Center | Downey, CA
STEM in Gaming | Los Angeles, CA
Microsoft STEM in Sports | Woodland Hills, CA
Penn State University's Astronomy Initiative | College Station, PA
NASA Quarterbacks of Life | Pittsburgh, PA
NASA Quarterbacks of Life | Philadelphia, PA
Challenger Learning Center | Wheeling, WV

12. THE INVESTMENT
According to the White House US2020
STEM initiative, by 2022 the U.S. will need
more than 9 million STEM professionals.
Current projections indicate there will be a
significant shortage of qualified
professionals to meet this need.
BTO is seeking partners who share like-
vision and goals to support students who
aspire to have careers in STEM/STEAM
fields.
As a partner, your support will allow BTO to
provide our STEM/STEAM curriculum to
educators and students in school districts
across the country.
If you share this vision, we want to talk with
you. Please contact Henry Bell, CEO of
EPYC LLC at 310-460-8865 or Email at
henry@beepyc.com