DoD STARBASE Connects Military Installations and Local Schools Through STEAM

Affiliation: Joint, Total Force

Location: Nationwide

Partners: Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; military installations; installation school liaisons; local school districts; community partners

What They Did: Provides students with 25 hours of hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and mathematics instruction at participating military installations. Students interact with military personnel, explore technical careers, and see real-world applications of classroom learning.

Key Results: Provides participating students with a standardized 25-hour hands-on STEAM experience at military installations, exposing them to technical careers and real-world applications of classroom concepts.

Replication Takeaway: Communities interested in replicating the model need installation command support, a school liaison and school-district partnership, dedicated facilities, a three-year operating budget, and an approved request through the applicable military component.