JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 17, 2026 – On Thursday, Sept. 17, 23 teams from across the state participated in C Spire's C3 Jr. Challenge at the Mississippi Children's Museum in Jackson and Meridian.
C3 Jr. is a challenge uniquely designed for elementary-age students to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with an escape-room inspired experience. C Spire mentors guide teams comprised of four fourth-grade students in solving clues, completing puzzles and navigating challenges using Dash the robot. Along the way, students build critical thinking, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that help prepare them for future careers and technologies shaping tomorrow's workforce.
Team members who showed an excellent attitude, team spirit, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills during the challenge received awards. The top three teams received trophies and tech-related prizes.
"This year's C3 Jr. Challenge combines learning with the excitement of an escape-room experience, encouraging students to think creatively and work together to overcome challenges," said Brad Carpenter, C Spire's Chief Operating Officer and EVP of Business Technology. "Watching these teams demonstrate perseverance, teamwork and innovation gives us great confidence in the next generation of Mississippi leaders."
Participants at MCM-Jackson: First Presbyterian Day School, Gary Road Intermediate, Highland Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School, Madison Crossing Elementary School, McLeod Elementary School, McWillie Elementary School, New Hope Christian School, Northshore Elementary School, Northwest Rankin Elementary School, Oakdale Elementary School, Richland Upper Elementary School, Spann Elementary School, St. Richard's School, The Redeemer School
Winners of C3 Jr. Challenge at MCM-Jackson:
First: Northwest Rankin Elementary School
Second: Madison Crossing Elementary School
Third: Highland Elementary School
Participants at MCM-Meridian: Enterprise Elementary School, Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School, Lamar School, Neshoba Central Elementary School, Northeast Lauderdale Elementary School, Parkview Elementary School, Quitman Upper Elementary School, and Crestwood Elementary School.
Winners of C3 Jr. Challenge at MCM-Meridian:
First: Lamar School
Second: Quitman Upper Elementary
Third: Neshoba Central Elementary
The mission of Mississippi Science Fest is to showcase STEAM subjects and engage students and educators across the state in a fun, interactive learning environment that promotes science education and workforce development. On Saturday, Sept. 19, guests can explore all four LeFleur Museum District museums for one low ticket price of $10! MCM-Meridian will host their 6th annual Mississippi Science Festival in conjunction with the LeFleur Museum District.
Children and families will have the opportunity to interact with STEAM professionals, engage in hands-on activities, and explore exciting experiments and exhibits.
Events for the Mississippi Science Fest will take place Sept. 14–19, 2026. A full schedule of activities for the festival and event tickets can be found at www.mssciencefest.org. Event tickets will admit you to all four LMD museums on Saturday, September 19.
ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Mississippi Children's Museum (MCM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of creating unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning in all children. MCM's two award-winning museums in Jackson and Meridian collectively offer over 100,000-square feet of exhibits and educational programming designed around five primary initiatives — Literacy, STEAM, Health and Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Mississippi Heritage — the keys to helping our children mature into healthy and productive adult learners. MCM offers exceptional resources for children, families, and educators through MCM at Home virtual programming, traveling exhibits and programs, community outreach, Launch into Learning afterschool program, professional development for educators, and Talk from the Start and Reach Out and Read initiatives for parents and caregivers to promote language development in children from birth to five years old. MCM is honored to have received an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, the Mississippi Tourism Association Governor's Award for Travel Attraction of the Year, and USA Today's 10Best Travel Award for Best Children's Museum. Learn more at www.mschildrensmuseum.org.
ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM – MERIDIAN
The Mississippi Children's Museum – Meridian (MCM-Meridian) is the East Mississippi satellite campus of the Mississippi Children's Museum located in Jackson, MS (MCM-Jackson) — a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that creates unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning. MCM-Meridian is a 25,000-square-foot facility with exhibit space designed around five primary initiatives: Literacy, STEAM, Health and Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Mississippi History woven throughout all galleries. Outdoors is a 25,000-square-foot exhibit gallery that allows children a safe and magical space to explore and enrich the learning experience. The museum's exhibits, programs, and outreach opportunities provide engaging, hands-on activities for children of all ages. MCM-Meridian is a strategic part of MCM-Jackson, which is dedicated to inspiring all of Mississippi's children from all backgrounds to discover and achieve their potential. Both museums offer excellent resources for children, families, and educators, such as the Launch into Learning afterschool program, professional development for educators, and innovative literacy and language development programs like Talk from the Start and Reach Out and Read. MCM-Jackson and MCM-Meridian have received numerous awards, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, the Mississippi Tourism Association Governor's Award for Travel Attraction of the Year, and USA Today's 10Best Travel Award for Best Children's Museum. To learn more about MCM-Meridian, visit www.mcmmeridian.org.
ABOUT C SPIRE FOUNDATION
The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by C Spire. The Foundation supports programs and partnerships that advance STEAM education, artificial intelligence literacy, and workforce development, empowering communities and students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world while strengthening the areas C Spire serves. Learn more at www.cspire.com/foundation.
Media Contacts:
Clara Draughn, Director of Marketing, MS Children's Museum – Jackson; [email protected], 601-248-5091
Barbara Zeller, Executive Director, MS Children's Museum – Meridian; [email protected], 709-974-0247
TJ Werre, Director, PR & Communications, C Spire; [email protected], 601-749-1707
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