Elizabeth Schneider, the dynamic CEO and Tour Director of Galactic Medallion, has dedicated her life to igniting inspiration in those who need it most. Her latest mission isn’t just about guiding tourists through the wonders of the Kennedy Space Center. It’s about giving foster youth, particularly those aging out of the system, the opportunity to dream big and see themselves as part of the thriving space industry. “We want them to feel like they matter,” Schneider says, her passion unmistakable. “They have a future waiting for them—if we can just help them see it.”
From Teacher to Tour Director: A Space Odyssey
Schneider’s path to becoming a tour director wasn’t conventional. She started her career as a French teacher, but a love for travel and education soon led her to Central Florida’s bustling tour industry. “I remember the days when we could meet groups at the airport gate,” Schneider recalls fondly. Her early work in the Earth Shuttle program, which brought students from across the United States to the Kennedy Space Center, gave her a deep appreciation for the power of space exploration to inspire young minds.
That early experience was formative. “It was clear to me, even back then, that space could be more than just rockets and astronauts,” she explains. “It was about possibility—about showing people, especially young people, what’s out there waiting for them.”
The Founding of Galactic Medallion
Building on her experiences, Schneider founded Galactic Medallion, a tour company that focuses exclusively on space-themed tours. Her goal was simple: to give people, young and old, a chance to experience the excitement of space exploration firsthand. But over time, her focus shifted to a much more underserved population—foster youth.
Schneider saw firsthand how foster children, particularly those nearing the age of 18, often missed out on opportunities that could spark their imaginations. “They’ve been moved around so much,” she says, “that many of them never get the chance to do things like visit the Kennedy Space Center. It’s heartbreaking.”
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 Opportunities for Foster Youth in Florida
One of the most important aspects of Schneider’s work is highlighting the incredible educational opportunities available to foster youth in Florida. “People don’t realize that the state of Florida will pay for any foster child’s education through to their doctorate,” Schneider shares. “It’s a game-changer. We just have to help these young people see that they can do it.”
For Schneider, the goal is simple: to inspire these young adults to pursue higher education, particularly in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields. “The space economy is only going to grow,” she says. “We need these kids to be a part of it.”
Closing the Gap: A Mission Beyond Tours
Schneider’s passion for helping foster youth goes far beyond the logistics of organizing tours. It’s about giving these young people a chance to believe in themselves. “For a lot of these kids, no one’s ever told them they can succeed,” Schneider says. “But we’re here to tell them they can. We want them to leave the Kennedy Space Center knowing they have a place in this world, in the space economy, and in their own future.”
The My Special Place in Space program offers a vision of hope and possibility. It’s about more than just rockets and space shuttles—it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring dreams. As Schneider puts it, “We’re not just showing them what’s possible. We’re helping them believe it’s possible for them.”
