Elizabeth Schneider: Illuminating Futures through Galactic Medallion
Elizabeth Schneider, CEO and Tour Director at Galactic Medallion, has committed herself to nurturing the ambitions of youth who most need inspiration. Her latest initiative transcends traditional tourism at the Kennedy Space Center; it aims to empower foster youth—especially those nearing independence—to envision themselves as integral contributors to the burgeoning space sector.
“Our goal is for these young adults to recognize their potential,” Schneider explains. “They have meaningful futures ahead—we simply help illuminate the possibilities.”
From Classroom to Cosmos
Schneider’s journey from French educator to space tourism pioneer exemplifies an unconventional yet purposeful career trajectory. Initially drawn to teaching, her passion for education intertwined seamlessly with her enthusiasm for travel, leading her naturally into Central Florida’s vibrant tour industry.
“There was a personal connection in greeting student groups at airport gates, back when travel felt more intimate,” she recalls. Schneider’s involvement in the Earth Shuttle program, which introduced countless American students to the wonders of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center, profoundly shaped her vision.
“Those early experiences underscored a fundamental insight,” Schneider reflects. “Space isn’t merely about technology or astronauts—it represents boundless opportunity and potential, especially for younger generations.”
Launching Galactic Medallion
Driven by this realization, Schneider founded Galactic Medallion, a specialized company dedicated exclusively to space-themed educational tours. Initially, the company catered broadly, but over time, Schneider refined her focus to engage an often-overlooked demographic: foster youth transitioning to independence.
Having observed the instability and limited access to inspiring experiences among foster children approaching adulthood, Schneider resolved to bridge this gap. “These young adults often face constant upheaval,” she notes. “Experiences like visiting the Kennedy Space Center—which many might take for granted—remain beyond their reach. Changing that is central to our mission.”
Fostering Kindness: Creating a Space for Foster Youth
Through her charity partnership, Fostering Kindness, Schneider created a program called My Special Place in Space. This initiative brings foster youth who are aging out of the system—those turning 18 and often left to fend for themselves—to the Kennedy Space Center for an unforgettable day. “When they turn 18, they’re suddenly on their own,” Schneider says. “That’s why this program is so important. We want to show them that even though their time in foster care is ending, their future is just beginning.”
Schneider emphasizes that this age group is particularly meaningful to work with. “At 18, they’re no longer minors, so we don’t have to jump through as many legal hoops,” she explains. “We don’t need all the permissions that are required for younger kids, and we can give them an experience that is fully theirs.”
Inspiration and Opportunity: Lighting a Spark in the Next Generation
The My Special Place in Space program isn’t just about giving foster youth a day of fun; it’s about showing them what’s possible in the fast-growing space economy. “So many of these kids have had disrupted educations,” Schneider notes. “But we want them to see that they still have a place in the world—especially in the space industry, which is booming right here in Florida.”
The program brings in guest speakers from the aerospace industry, including recent graduates and experts like Kirby and Dr. Mark, to inspire the youth. “We bring in young professionals who have just started their careers in aerospace,” Schneider says. “It’s important for these kids to hear from people who are only a few years older than them, who can say, ‘Look, I did it. You can too.’”
Educational Pathways for Florida’s Foster Youth
A pivotal element of Schneider’s advocacy involves emphasizing Florida’s robust educational support for foster youth. Florida stands out by offering full educational funding for foster youth through doctoral-level studies—a transformative benefit not widely recognized. “Florida covers education costs all the way to a doctorate for foster youth,” Schneider notes. “Our challenge lies in making sure these young adults are aware of, and inspired by, these opportunities.”
Schneider’s core objective is to motivate foster youth to explore higher education, especially within the STEAM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). “The space industry’s trajectory is upward,” Schneider emphasizes. “Our goal is to ensure these youths envision themselves as essential contributors to this sector.”
Bridging Potential and Opportunity
Schneider’s commitment transcends the organizational logistics of tours. Her deeper aim is fostering self-belief among youth who have seldom experienced genuine encouragement. “Many of these young people have rarely heard anyone affirm their potential for success,” she says. “We strive to change that narrative, so they leave Kennedy Space Center with newfound confidence in their future and their role in the expanding space economy.”
Through initiatives like the “My Special Place in Space” program, Galactic Medallion provides more than exposure to space exploration; it actively cultivates hope and ambition. Schneider succinctly captures the mission’s essence: “We’re not merely illustrating what’s achievable—we’re ensuring they see themselves as capable of achieving it.”
