Peterson youth get increased opportunity at space academy

The 21st Space Wing’s top leaders visited the new Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy Middle School in Colorado Springs Nov. 10 to see its space and engineering programs.

Col. Stephen Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander, Lt. Col. Tracy Witcher, 21st Mission Support Group deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Tim Omdal, 21st SW command chief, toured the new public school, which opened this school year with about 500 students in grades 5 to 8.

The 21st SW is developing stronger partnerships with local public schools and wants to improve educational opportunities for Peterson’s youth, said Col. Emily Buckman, 21st MSG commander. In District 11, about 1,525 students of the nearly 29,000 students in the district are military dependents, according to a District 11 spokeswoman.
more…