Starbase Minnesota

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 onsite programs are taught in the exciting and immersive, technological learning environments of the Minnesota Air National Guard bases the 133rd Airlift Wing in St. Paul and 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth. STARBASE expanded its new STEM kit initiative to 35,000 5th grade students and their teachers across Minnesota in FY23. STARBASE Minnesota in St. Paul and Duluth served a combined total of 6,347 students in 5-day school year and summer onsite programs, plus an additional 35,000 students and their teachers across Minnesota through STARBASE Destination Mars STEM Kits. Students participating in STARBASEs onsite programs achieved the following results: St. Paul 94% students STEM knowledge/skill with a 27-31 percentage point gain on pre to post-test tests that measure knowledge and skills; 95% students reported that STARBASE made learning fun; 82% students reported an increased interest in STEM; and the majority reported interest in pursuing a STEM career. Duluth 93% students increased STEM knowledge/skills with a 22% average pre to post-test improvement; 96% students STARBASE made learning fun; 77% reported increased interest in STEM; and the majority reported an interest in STEM careers. Of the teachers participating in onsite programs, 93-99% reported gains in STEM knowledge and teaching strategies in St. Paul and Duluth; 100% rated STARBASE excellent or very good; 100% want to return to STARBASE. A combined STARBASE total of 477 educators participated in onsite programs 5,686 hours; and 536 military, corporate, and community members, together, volunteered over 4,163 hours in and for STARBASE programs.