Reaching for the Stars: Inside the NASA Club at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado 

For students fascinated by the mysteries of space, the NASA Club at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA) offers a chance to explore the universe without ever leaving home. 

Launched just five years ago, the club brings together middle and high school students who share a curiosity about astronomy, space technology, and the future of exploration. While the group size varies from year to year, the passion for space remains constant. Through virtual gatherings, live launch watch parties, and conversations about cutting-edge technology, students get a front-row seat to the exciting world of space science. 

At the center of the program is Catherine Guerra, a CODCA science teacher who brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the experience. 

A Teacher Inspired by the Universe 

Ms. Guerra has been teaching science and math at CODCA since 2014. She holds two master’s degrees in special education and educational leadership, along with a bachelor’s degree in science and regular education training from Regis University. Her passion for space began early in life. 

“I still remember being six years old, sitting on the floor at my elementary school with all the other kids, completely captivated by a small black-and-white TV,” Ms. Guerra said. “We watched Apollo 11 launch live and later saw the first steps on the moon. It was an unforgettable moment that sparked a lifelong fascination with space.” 

Today, she brings that same sense of wonder to her students through the NASA Club. 

From Club Member to Contributor 

The impact of the NASA Club extends beyond graduation, as seen through alum Preston, who helped shape the club during its early years. A dedicated member throughout high school, he joined when the club was still growing and took on a key role supporting communications, contributing to newsletters, and keeping students informed about upcoming NASA livestreams. 

He also participated in major moments like the Artemis I launch program, often staying up late, sometimes past midnight, watching launches alongside fellow students. Preston continued to be involved with the club after his graduation, helping Ms. Guerra manage communications, contribute to newsletters, and keep students informed about upcoming NASA livestreams.  

Today, Preston is attending Front Range Community College, where he has earned a horticulture certificate and is pursuing programming, with long-term goals in game development. 

Learning on “NASA Time” 

One of the most unique aspects of the club is that it follows the unpredictable schedule of real space missions. 

“We’re on NASA time,” Ms. Guerra said. “Sometimes that means logging in late at night or early in the morning to watch a launch together. Students show up a little sleepy in their pajamas with popcorn in hand, and it becomes a really special bonding experience, even if every now and then a launch gets postponed at the last minute.” 

Students regularly gather virtually to watch live rocket launches, hear interviews with scientists and astronauts, and discuss emerging technologies that are shaping the future of space exploration. These shared moments help students feel connected to real-world science in action. 

Bringing Space Science to Life 

Beyond watching launches, NASA Club students explore a wide range of topics related to astronomy and space exploration. Discussions often include everything from planetary science and satellite technology to upcoming missions and the role of robotics in space. 

One especially memorable moment came when students had the opportunity to participate in a unique NASA program. The names of CODCA students were placed aboard a capsule and sent into space, giving them a symbolic connection to an actual mission. Another student even had the opportunity to send a message to an astronaut.  

Expanding Students’ View of the Universe 

For Guerra, the club is about more than learning facts about space. It is about helping students see possibilities they may never have considered before. She recalls a moment from a former astronomy lesson when a student excitedly shared that he had identified a constellation for the first time after leaving the city lights. His excitement was contagious and served as a powerful reminder of how transformative scientific discovery can be. 

Moments like that continue to inspire Guerra and reinforce the mission of the NASA Club: opening doors to curiosity, discovery, and the vast universe beyond our planet. At Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, students are not just learning about science. Through programs like NASA Club, they are discovering the wonder of exploration and imagining what their own future in space-related fields could look like. 

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