WHAT IS IT

DoD STARBASE is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. At DoD STARBASE students participate in challenging "hands-on, mind-on" activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). We are working to  expose our nation’s youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard, and Reserve military bases and installations, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our communities, by providing 25 hours of exemplary hands-on instruction and activities that meet or exceed the National Standards.

MISSION

Provide students with innovative hands-on STEM learning experiences that excite and build the confidence they need to perform in evolving technology environments. Enabling access to positive civilian and military role models found on military installations. To nurture collaborations and build relationships within our communities, further enhancing the quality and trusted future workforce pipeline.

VISION

To lead the advancement of the next-generation of STEM education preparing young Arkansans for undiscovered careers of tomorrow.

WHY

The Annual Report to Congress written by The Spectrum Group concluded that: “The STARBASE Program is unique in that it provides students with a hands-on, experiential approach to learning, with the guidance of trained and experienced teachers and military personnel who make learning fun, practical, and relevant. The program provides students with an environment that encourages self-esteem, personal growth, individual achievement, and strong character through the positive role models found on military bases and installations. The DoD STARBASE Program has enjoyed exceptional acceptance and support by the communities it serves as well as from military and civilian participants who extol not only the program, but also personal benefits they have gained from it. Most importantly, the program has achieved in basic objectives, producing positive student performance results in math and science, and helping students develop pro-social attitudes about themselves, including their belief in their ability to manage daily challenges.”