Funding Continues to Inspire the Next Generation of Sunderland Space Explorers
13th October 2025
The Reece Foundation is proud to support an inspiring partnership between the University of Sunderland and the Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF), which is bringing the excitement of space exploration into local classrooms and encouraging young people to imagine futures in STEM.
Recently, pupils from two Sunderland schools, Grange Park Primary School and Dame Dorothy Primary School took part in an imaginative activity, challenging them to think about what their dream careers might look like if they were based on the Moon. Ideas ranged from directing films with aliens to growing plants in lunar greenhouses and racing hoverboard-powered F1 cars. Pupils also joined a special online session connecting live with the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., where they explored how space and science link people and ideas across borders.
Kate Campion, a teacher at Dame Dorothy Primary School, said: “The event was a wonderful opportunity for the children to bring their space topic to life. By imagining future jobs on the Moon and considering the adaptations needed to live there, pupils practised key communication skills while building confidence in expressing their ideas.”
The initiative is led by Dr Andy Aldrin, son of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and has so far distributed 27 Giant Moon Maps to primary schools across the North East. These interactive maps provide teachers with an engaging way to teach space science while helping pupils develop vital STEM skills.
This work has been made possible through collaboration between Together for Children (the children’s services partner of Sunderland City Council), the Reece Foundation, and the Sir James Knott Trust.
Back to NewsDr Andy Aldrin, President and CEO of the Aldrin Family Foundation, said: “This event is a remarkable example of how space and diplomacy can bring young minds together across borders. By connecting students from the U.S. and U.K., we’re cultivating a truly global perspective for the future space workforce.”
Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation, added: “We are delighted that our collaboration with Together for Children and the Sir James Knott Trust is continuing to bring the excitement of space education to pupils across the North East, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.”
Wendy Price OBE, Head of Widening Access and Participation at the University of Sunderland, said: “Through our partnership with AFF, we are thrilled to connect local pupils and teachers with space industry experts in the USA. Linking classrooms in Sunderland directly with Washington, D.C. gives young people a truly unique opportunity to meet aviators and astronauts and see what’s possible in their own futures.”
