The Sally Ride Excellence in Education Award recognizes an outstanding educator in either a) the delivery of space education or b) the use of space in STEM education. Both K-12 educators and college/graduate-level educators can be nominated.

Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, started Sally Ride Science in 2001 to inspire young people—especially girls—to stick with their interest in science and to consider pursuing careers in science and engineering. She served as CEO of the company until her death on July 23, 2012, after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. In 2013 Sally was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest honor.

Award Criteria

Recipients:

• 2025 – Mohammad Ayoubi 

For helping shape aerospace education at Santa Clara University by launching the aerospace engineering minor and the master’s program. He has designed more than ten undergraduate and graduate courses and frequently brings industry into the classroom through guest speakers and organized tours, giving students a direct connection to Silicon Valley’s aerospace community.

Picture courtesy of Mohammad Ayoubi 

• 2024 – Suzanne Weaver Smith

Suzanne Weaver Smith has built a 45-year career in aerospace education by shepherding innovative and student-centered partnerships between academia and industry.

Picture courtesy of AAS

• 2023 – Bob Kovalchik

For decades of inspirational efforts as a professional educator and selfless volunteer to inform and relate the wonders of aviation and space flight to captivated audiences of all ages.

Picture courtesy of LinkedIn

• 2022 – Janet Ivey-Duensing

For passion and dedication in shaping and tutoring the future scientists, engineers, and space explorers in the United States and around the world

Picture courtesy of Janet’s Planet

• 2022 – Professor Robert Twiggs

For shaping a generation of engineers, researchers, and educators and creating the technology they use to access space

Picture courtesy of Morehead State University

• 2021 – Michael Drews

For envisioning, developing, and implementing the Student Career Arcs to Professional Engineers (STEM-SCAPE) conference.

• 2020 – Elizabeth Newton

For re-imagining traditional higher education by radically transforming the OSU Battelle Center through expanded student opportunities and the creation of a community based around a shared interest in space.

Picture courtesy of The Ohio State University

• 2019 – David Seidel

For exceptional service in creating and implementing transformative K-12 STEM education programs and experiences for the benefit of NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, educators, students, and the public.

Picture courtesy of LinkedIn

• 2018 – No Award Given
• 2017 – Deborah Barnhart

In recognition of her education advocacy spanning four decades of service across multiple disciplines benefitting countless students and educators.

Picture courtesy of AL.com

• 2016 – Destin Sandlin

For using science to inspire millions of young minds around the world on your “Smarter Every Day” YouTube channel.

Picture courtesy of SXSW

• 2015 – Lynn Cominsky

For excellence in space-based STEM education by conceiving and accomplishing the S4 (Small Satellites for Secondary Students) program, and for inspiring women and under-represented students to participate in spaceflight opportunities.

Picture courtesy of Sonoma State University

• 2014 – Theresa Schwerin

For unparalleled contributions and dedication in creating innovative programs to deliver space education and advance the use of space in STEM education.

Picture courtesy of Arizona State University