STARBASE is a proven youth program that has inspired and educated countless Michigan students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Math (STEAM) for decades. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) as a premier educational initiative, STARBASE is sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Students participate in challenging “hands-on, minds-on” activities, interact with military personnel, explore career opportunities, and see STEAM in action in the real world.
Despite its success and ongoing presence at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the first STARBASE program in the nation, and Alpena and Battle Creek, some Federal and Michigan elected officials are withholding support during the budget process.
This website was created to set the record straight, showcase STARBASE’s tremendous impact, and advocate for its continuation for future generations.
NameE-Mail AddressCity, Township, or Village
Message to Michigan Federal elected officials, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, State Senate President Pro Tempore Jeremy Moss, and State House Speaker Matt Hall
I am writing to express my strong support for the STARBASE youth program, and urge you to ensure it continues to receive funds at current levels. STARBASE is a proven, federally funded initiative that educates 4,300 Michigan students annually. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a premier education program, STARBASE provides “hands-on, minds-on” experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Math (STEAM). Students not only gain valuable skills but also interact with military personnel, explore career opportunities, and see real-world applications of STEAM learning. STARBASE continues to thrive at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the first STARBASE program in the nation, as well as at Alpena and Battle Creek. Together, these locations have made a lasting difference in the lives of more than 93,500 Michigan children. Eliminating or disregarding this program would deprive Michigan students of valuable educational opportunities that prepare them for tomorrow’s workforce, weaken our communities, and diminish the bond between young people and our military heroes. I respectfully request that you recognize the value of STARBASE and take action to preserve and support this vital program, for the benefit of Michigan’s students and our state’s future. Thank you.
Submit
Call to Action Support STARBASE!
Please let Michigan Federal elected officials, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, State Senate President Pro Tempore Jeremy Moss, and State House Speaker Matt Hall know you support STARBASE by completing this form.
STARBASE Impact in Michigan
1st
STARBASE program in the nation at Selfridge ANGB
93,500+
participants since its inception
4,300
students served annually (basic, advanced, and supplemental programs)
160
classrooms served annually
72
schools served annually
34
school districts served annually
Why STARBASE
According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), STARBASE offers a positive, proven approach to engendering excitement and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering & Art/Design, and Mathematics (STEAM). This knowledge is important to our nation’s future because:
In 2022, 36% of fourth-grade students performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level on the mathematics assessment.
Median annual wages for STEM occupations were $95,420, compared to 40,120 for non-STEM occupations.
The percentage of ACT-tested graduates meeting the ACT STEM Benchmark in 2019 was 20%.
Computer occupations make up nearly 45% of STEM employment.
Over the next 10 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects STEM jobs to grow by 10.8%, far outpacing the 2.8% projected growth across all occupations.
Only 20% of U.S. high school graduates are prepared for college-level coursework in STEM majors.
Students who attend DOD STARBASE improve their attitudes about and their confidence in STEAM.
Students who attend DOD STARBASE Academies increase their knowledge and skills in STEAM.
STARBASE History
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) STARBASE Program first originated in Macomb County, Michigan as Project STARS in 1991. The original curriculum focused on exposing youth (4-6 grade) to innovative hands-on activities in science, technology, and mathematics based on the physics of flight. Under the guidance of Brig. Gen. David Arendts, 127th Wing Commander at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, students were invited to Selfridge to participate and witness the application of scientific concepts in a “real world” setting. National Guard personnel demonstrated the use of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology in their fields of expertise and served as role models to the attending students.
In FY 1993, the U.S. Congress appropriated funds for DOD STARBASE and piloted the program in seven states. There are locations spread across the United States and its territories. To accommodate the growing demand for additional STEM programs, a structured after school mentoring program, STARBASE 2.0 (now called STARBASE Advanced), for middle school students was piloted in 2010 at five locations. The program’s success relies on collaboration between the sponsoring military unit and STARBASE Academy, the school district, and local communities. The goal is for each STARBASE Academy to sponsor a STARBASE Advanced program.
Today, there are 81 STARBASE sites throughout the United States of America.
