Calvert County Public Schools announced that Holly Fallica, a teacher at Calvert Middle School, has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2026 LiftOff Summer Institute.
The nationally competitive program is sponsored by the University of Texas Center for Space Research and the Maryland Space Grant Consortium in partnership with NASA. It brings together educators from across the country to deepen their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through immersive space-focused learning.
This year’s theme, Moon to Mars: A New Era of Discovery, highlights NASA’s Artemis program. The initiative aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, field investigations and sessions led by NASA scientists, engineers and industry experts.
International fellows in Costa Rica.
International fellows in Costa Rica.
Selected educators will attend the institute June 22–26 in Houston, Texas. They will collaborate with peers nationwide, explore current developments in space research and develop innovative instructional strategies. Upon returning, participants are expected to integrate their learning into classroom instruction and share resources with colleagues across their school systems.
Fallica’s selection reflects her strong leadership in STEM and environmental education. She has already been invited to another NASA-affiliated teacher summer institute. She will also serve as a STEAM in the Park Ambassador this summer in Acadia National Park, Maine, where she will lead a camp in partnership with National Park Service rangers and educators from across the country.
Additionally, Fallica recently completed a competitive fellowship with Ecology Project International in Costa Rica. She was the only educator selected from Maryland and one of just 15 participants from the United States and Canada. While there, she worked with scientists and research teams studying leatherback sea turtle conservation.
“These opportunities reflect her commitment to bringing real-world learning experiences back to CCPS students,” the district stated. Calvert County Public Schools congratulated Fallica on her achievements and looks forward to the impact on students and staff.
The LiftOff program emphasizes translating space science into practical classroom lessons. Teachers return with new tools to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. For Calvert County students, this means enhanced STEM instruction tied directly to NASA’s current missions.
Calvert Middle School is located at 1305 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. The district serves more than 10,000 students across Southern Maryland and continues to prioritize hands-on learning in science and technology.
For more information about Calvert County Public Schools or STEM programs, visit the district website at www.calvertnet.k12.md.us.
