Telescopes for Equity

Program Description

Overview

Astronomy for Equity has provided telescopes to schools and astronomy clubs in places that use astronomy to promote and support STEM education. But in developing countries and countries in crisis where astronomy is most important, telescopes are difficult or impossible to acquire.

Astronomy students in Ukraine asked for telescopes to use during blackouts. An NGO in Libya created astronomy clubs in five middle schools with Ministry of Education support but they couldn’t get telescopes for them. Astronomy for Equity delivered in both countries and others.

Program Mission

Our Mission

Astronomy not only supports STEM education, it provides solace, inspiration, and hope. It reminds us we’re not part of something bigger. Where students growing up not seeing a path to realize their dreams for the future, astronomy can provide the spark of inspiration that keeps them going.

In Ukraine, a psychologist who founded a support organization for schools told us, “When you want, you dream. They stopped dreaming.” Telescopes from Astronomy for Equity allow them to dream again. Wherever communities are unable to provide opportunities those in developed countries may take for granted, astronomy can help. It may be an intangible, but the impact is real.

Current Activities

Ongoing Initiatives

An Astronomy for Equity team journeyed to Ukraine in November 2024 to meet the students and illuminate the importance of science, education and community support in times of crisis and adversity for those hoping for a brighter future.

The A4E team’s journey will be the subject of a new documentary from Emmy Award-winning Dean Love Productions, Hope Out of Darkness. Dean joined the team to capture the interactions and interview students, teachers, and parents to share with the world what the students face and how astronomy helps them deal with the challenges.

Future Plans

Stand by!

The Telescopes for Equity program is on hold as we develop other programs. We will be reopening this important program when we have the resources available. There is a lot to do in so many places.

If you’d like to help Astronomy for Equity do more work around the world through the inspirational and accessible science of astronomy, please consider making a donation using the Donate link above.

Thank you for your support!