The JFK Challenge

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

The JFK Challenge

An example of the app's interactive features

Project Overview

Through a series of fun, enriching games geared to ages 8-12, The JFK Challenge app turns players into NASA and Peace Corps trainees ready to accept President Kennedy’s charge to accomplish great things and make a difference in the world. Bluecadet was thrilled to work with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on their first app, made possible by a grant from Disney.

The app features two missions, based on two of JFK’s most important presidential initiatives: Space Race and Peace Corps. Bluecadet developed a sequential game format, with timed activities and points to motivate users to continue through the levels—learning more as they play. To emphasize the hard work and training that was involved in becoming an astronaut or Peace Corps member, and to teach users the gameplay techniques, each mission starts with a series of training games. Players progress through Space Race and Peace Corps challenges using skills they learned during training.

Project Videos and Images

Children playing with the app on a tablet

  • Game players can choose between two missions: Peace Corps and Space Race

  • A young user uploading a

    Each player starts by adding his or her own name and snapping a “selfie” through the built-in camera for a personalized game experience.

The Peace Corps

In The JFK Challenge, players must pass a playful Spanish language quiz game—learning words needed to successfully complete their mission once they are in Colombia. Their training continues with games that teach players how to dig, build, and locate other countries around the globe where Peace Corps volunteers traveled.

JFK app experience

  • Young boys playing a game on the app

  • A video displaying game content

    Custom algorithms randomize the challenges each time, encouraging repeat play.

The Space Race

As virtual astronauts in the Space Race mission, players travel back in time to journey to the moon with the Apollo 11 team. Inspired by the astronauts’ actual training, the games convey how much preparation went into the first moon landing, and what a challenging feat it was.

JFK app game

  • an animated illustration of a spacecraft that appears in the 'Space Race' mission

  • Two boys gathered together, using the app on a tablet

The JFK Challenge allows kids to experience President Kennedy’s optimism and confidence in our ability as Americans to be global ambassadors and achieve great things.

Heather Campion, CEO, JFK Library Foundation