ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The winning video submission by the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown was out of this world.
The local organization has been chosen the national winner of NASA’s August 2025 VIRTEX video competition for its submission “Space Cadets at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown.”
“Winning this national competition is proof that when you give kids the chance to reach for the stars, they will.”Katarah Jordan, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Allentown.
The club’s youth, known as the Space Cadets, participated in NASA’s VIRTEX program-Virtual Field Trips to Extreme Environments, which connects students nationwide with NASA scientists through hands-on STEM learning.
Each week throughout the summer, Allentown youth eagerly gathered to explore space science, conduct experiments and learn about STEM careers in real-world contexts, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown said in a release.
As part of the program, BGCA was paired with a planetary geologist, Kirby Runyon, who mentored the youth as they explored concepts including planetary surfaces, extreme environments and the future of space exploration.
His guidance, paired with the students’ creativity and enthusiasm, helped the Allentown team shine on the national stage, the release said.
“We have always focused on STEM activities, but this summer was truly out of this world,” Boys & Girls Club of Allentown Chief Executive Officer Katarah Jordan said.
“Through our Space Cadets program, young people didn’t just learn about science, they discovered confidence, teamwork and new career dreams.
“Winning this national competition is proof that when you give kids the chance to reach for the stars, they will.”
'Over the moon about winning'
The VIRTEX program encourages clubs across the nation to apply, form student teams and work alongside NASA mentors to explore extreme environments — whether under the ocean, on mountain tops or in laboratories.
Each club creates a video showcasing its experience, with the winning club earning the opportunity to travel to Goddard Space Flight Center near Washington, D.C., for a two-day NASA symposium.
“It was truly an honor to work with the excellent team at NASA that put this curriculum together and trained us on how to use it effectively.”Boys & Girls Club of Allentown Education and Outreach Director Molly Lick
“It was truly an honor to work with the excellent team at NASA that put this curriculum together and trained us on how to use it effectively,” club Education and Outreach Director Molly Lick said.
“We are over the moon about winning the video competition and cannot wait to take part in the upcoming symposium.”
In a release, the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown said that "with support from NASA and dedicated staff, local Allentown youth experienced a transformative summer of discovery, creativity and inspiration."
