The Indiana National Guard has announced that it will open its third STARBASE program in the state at the South Bend National Guard Armory in early 2016. The Guard has already begun the program in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, which have become tremendously popular.

STARBASE brings a unique form of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to area elementary students, focusing primarily on fifth graders. The goal is to motivate them to explore STEM opportunities through inquiry-based curriculum.

The students explore rocketry, robotics, nanotechnology, mapping and much more. Teamwork and communication are a big emphasis for the students as they work together to set and achieve goals.

“STARBASE Indiana is the perfect setting to prepare today’s elementary students for tomorrow’s demanding high tech jobs here in the Hoosier state,” said Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “It is in sync with Governor Pence’s ‘Roadmap for Indiana’ where it will dramatically improve the math skills of all students who partake in this wonderful opportunity.”

STARBASE is funded through the Department of Defense and private donations. The program involves 25 hours of instruction spread over five weeks. Students attend with their own classmates and teacher for one day per week over the five week course. The schools provide transportation and ensure that lunch is provided for the children.

Source: Indiana National Guard