Support for STARBASE: Inspiring words from leaders, students, parents, and teachers.
“Programs like STARBASE play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of Michigan students. By giving young people hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math, STARBASE not only strengthens classroom learning but also builds the confidence, problem-solving skills, and curiosity that prepare students for future careers. This investment in our children is an investment in Michigan’s future.”
State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) State of Michigan
“Please accept this letter as my personal endorsement for the United States Congress to provide adequate funding for the continuation and beneficial expansion of the STARBASE program. STARBASE, a unique STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan, is threatened with a severe reduction of federal funding. The program, which inspires 1,800 students annually, is renowned for its hands-on learning experiences, including a space shuttle simulator and a replica of the International Space Station. The STARBASE program is free for any school in metro Detroit, all the school must do is provide transportation to get the students there. Nationally, the STARBASE program started in 1991 at Selfridge, and has grown to 90 programs across the country, including Puerto Rico and Guam. I encourage Michigan's Congressional Members and all of our 435 Representatives and 100 Senators to support this program with funding in their Budget deliberations and decision making.”
Lawrence Rocca County Treasurer Macomb County
“I was fortunate to participate in STARBASE ONE at Selfridge Air National Guard Base twice, beginning in the early 1990's. The experience was educational, inspiring, and transformative with a strong focus on STEAM learning. STARBASE gave me invaluable real-world skills and ignited a passion that shaped my future, while allowing me to connect with our military heroes. It is not just a program, it is a powerful educational resource for students that must be preserved for the generations to come.”
Jim Santilli CEO National Transportation Safety Organization
President American Air Operations
"The Best learning experience ever. They actually make learning fun. They should have STARBASE every week so we can learn more S.T.E.M."
Student Davison Elementary
"Very fun, and you learn something new every week, and I have improved a lot."
Student South River Elementary
"Fun military base. You learn a lot more than school. Once in a lifetime experience."
Student Elmwood Elementary
"My child has always been interested in many things, but he comes home with a new story and excited about what he learned. STARBASE has allowed me to see a side of my child that shows he is excited about learning because it is interactive and not a basic classroom setting."
Parent Higgins Elementary
"My son loves attending STARBASE. He enjoys the science experiments and wants to attend every day. I'll be honest. My son hates school but absolutely LOVES STARBASE!"
Parent Graham Elementary
"The instructors are wonderful. I had the pleasure of attending as a volunteer and was blown away by the activities and, more importantly, engagement of the students."
Parent Graham Elementary
"A former student’s mother told me that her son is currently at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in aerospace engineering. He was a student who struggled behaviorally, and she said that his experience at STARBASE turned him around and set him on the right path because he knew that he wanted to work in aeronautics."
Teacher Yacks Elementary
"STARBASE covers curriculum in a fun, hands-on environment with materials that they may never have the opportunity to see and work with. These lessons are sure to stick with my students for a lifetime."
Teacher Higgins Elementary
"My students LOVE STARBASE! This is such an amazing program and really encourages some of my kids to consider a science/engineering field."
