U.S. Department of Defense Starbase Oklahoma Youth Education Program

Starbase Oklahoma is a hands-on, inquiry-based youth education program developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to engage fifth-grade students in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.  The program, which is implemented on eight military bases and training sites across Oklahoma, will serve more than 6,500 students and 528 teachers from 80 Oklahoma schools this year.

Students—or “cadets,” as they’re known in the Starbase program—learn about subjects such as astronomy, rocketry, hydroponics and physics during the five-week learning-by-exploration program.  A recent award from Oklahoma EPSCoR allows student participants to engage in experiments that explore the depletion of fossil fuels and the benefits of renewable energy. 

Cadets are introduced to mathematical concepts, scientific processes, problem solving and team building skills during 25 hours of classroom instruction.  The program curriculum also uses the scientific method and experiments to educate participants about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, while a section on the importance of goal-setting helps students focus on setting and attaining their goals. 

A capstone field trip experience exposes students to real-world jobs held by citizen-soldiers, as they touch and handle high tech equipment, including planes, flight simulators and computers. 

The program serves students who are at risk of not reaching their full potential and who have historically been underrepresented in STEM disciplines due to socio-economic, demographic or geographic constraints.  Some past participants have reported that they first realized that higher education and STEM careers were tangible and exciting options for them during their Starbase cadet training.

Teachers interested in participating in the program should call 918.833.7757 for information about enrolling in a classroom near them.

Starbase Vision Statement

To raise the interest and improve the knowledge and skills of at-risk youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which will provide for a highly educated and skilled American workforce that can meet the advanced technological requirements of the Department of Defense.

Photo credit:  DoD Starbase Program