Future Built Upon

Legacy 

 
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The Conrad Foundation is dedicated to creating collaborative, student-centered, real world-relevant learning opportunities that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Through our programs, we unleash students’ potential to create impactful solutions and a sustainable society for generations to come.

 
 

OUR VISION

 

The Conrad Foundation will be the leader in connecting students and mentors to collaboratively develop solutions to society’s current and future challenges, on Earth and beyond.

 

 

OUR MISSION

We strive to promote collaborative, student-centered, real world-relevant learning that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Through our programs, we unleash students’ potential to create impactful solutions and a sustainable society for generations to come.

 

Will You Join Us?

The Conrad Challenge is unlike any other competition in that we are fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs. And it’s these bright minds that will create the next wave of future companies that will use STEM expertise to disrupt the traditional way of doing things. We’re talking real change on the horizon.

Each year, we look for corporations, organizations, government entities and individuals that want to help us fuel exciting disruption…those who want to advance real change in our Challenge categories. 

We are 100% funded through corporate and individual gifts. As a Conrad Challenge supporter, you play a direct role in 4 key areas:

  • Advancing education – You help us give students the knowledge, confidence and social skills to lead change and improve our world.

  • Developing our future workforce – The complex industries we cover require students who excel in STEM fields. This your chance to recruit bright young talent into your business as an intern or entry-level professional.

  • Problem-solving on a global level – Through your help, we inspire students to think bigger … to solve real-world problems impacting our planet.

  • Gaining exposure – The Conrad Challenge is an excellent opportunity to positively position your brand to students, educators, industry professionals and media.

Our team has

a passion for education.

 
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It all started when…

The Conrad Foundation honors the legacy of Apollo 12 astronaut, Charles “Pete” Conrad, and his four-decade passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Pete spent 20 years as a U.S. Navy Test Pilot and NASA Astronaut. In November 1969, he became the third man to walk on the Moon. After many years as an aerospace explorer, Pete’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight. He founded four companies devoted to the commercialization of space travel. Unfortunately, Pete’s pursuits were cut short with his passing in 1999. 

Nancy Conrad, Pete’s wife, shared his passion for inspiring future explorers, often working hand-in-hand with him prior to his death to launch his numerous commercial space businesses. In his passing, Nancy knew she wanted to keep Pete’s spirit for innovation and entrepreneurship alive, but targeted to the next generation of explorers. 16 years ago, this former high school teacher launched the Conrad Foundation and its flagship program, the Conrad Challenge, encouraging students to Get Your Genius On®. Since then, she has become a recognized leader in transformative education, testifying before the U.S. Congress and speaking at global conferences. She is dedicated to energizing and engaging students in STEM fields through unique entrepreneurial opportunities.