Causes: Education, Elementary & Secondary Schools, Literacy

Mission: To inspire and educate minnesota youth in science, technology, engineering and math (stem)

Programs: Starbase is a program of the department of defense, hosted by the minnesota national guard and supported by corporate and community organizations for the purpose of inspiring and educating youth in science, technology, engineering and math (stem). Starbase minnesotas 20-25 hour stem programs are taught in the exciting and immersive, technological learning environment of the minnesota air national guard at the 133rd airlift wing in st. Paul and in fy2017 starbase expanded programming to duluth, mn on the 148th fighter wing. In fy2017,3,551 students achieved the following results: 97% students increased their knowledge and skills in stem with a 94% average pre to post-test improvement; 97% students reported that starbase made learning fun; 90% students reported increased interest in stem, and the majority reported interest in pursuing a stem career. In addition, 91% teachers rated starbase excellent, 8% very good, and 98% reported gains in their own knowledge and skills; 100% teachers stated they would like to return. 200 educators participated in field experiences at starbase. Nearly 500 volunteers from mn national guard, stem corporations and parents volunteered in the starbase programs contributing over 2,770 volunteer hours. An additional 183 teachers/educators and 64 pre-service teachers participate in the starbase program.