Starbase

Background

STARBASE was created in 1989 through a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. The first STARBASE program began at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. The STARBASE program provides an innovative approach to addressing three critical problems facing America’s youth: poor preparation in math and science, lack of personal direction, and drug abuse.The STARBASE mission is accomplished through exciting hands-on curricula and positive caring role models provided by the STARBASE team and military personnel.Beginning in Fiscal Year 1993 (FY93), Congress appropriated $2M to the Air National Guard (ANG) to establish five STARBASE sites.Today the program is authorized pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2193, as a science and mathematics education improvement program.The Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Navy, and Marine Corps participate in this program.

Program Description

STARBASE is a nonresidential program for students (grades K-12) that provides them with real-world applications of math and science through experiential learning, simulations, and experiments in aviation and space-related fields.The program utilizes instruction modules that can integrate state math and science objectives.A motivational module is included to teach children how to set and achieve goals, take positive action in their lives, and build strong self-esteem.

Students and teachers attend the STARBASE school year program for five complete days. During the school year, these days are spread over five weeks and teachers use STARBASE-generated material to reinforce learning during regular school days. In addition to written materials, facilities, simulators, and trainers are made available to the students.

There are 45 STARBASE programs throughout the United States:

Navy sites (11):
Fleet Training Center San Diego, CA; Naval District Washington, DC;
Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL; Naval Station Pearl Harbor, HI; Naval
Training Center Great Lakes, IL; Construction Battalion Center,
Gulfport, MS; Naval Air Station Meridian, MS; Navy and Marine Corps
Reserve Center, North Versailles, PA; Naval Station Newport, RI; Fleet
Training Center, Norfolk, VA; and Trident Training Facility, Bangor, WA.
Marine Corps site (1): Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC.

Air Force site (1): Kirtland AFB, NM

Air National Guard sites (29):
Anchorage, AK, Sacramento, CA; Hartford and Waterbury CT; Jacksonville,
FL; Atlanta, GA; Topeka and Wichita, KS; New Orleans, LA; Bangor, ME;
Detroit and Mt. Clemens, MI; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Lincoln, NE;
Charlotte, NC; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK; Portland and Klamath Falls,
OR; Carolina, PR; Columbia, SC; Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD; Houston,
TX; Colchester and Burlington, VT; Charleston and Martinsburg, WV; and
Cheyenne, WY.

Air Force Reserve sites (3):
Barksdale AFB, LA; Lackland AFB, TX; and
Robins AFB, GA.