Making STEM Accessible to the Youth Since 1996
Pelican State STARBASE has been changing lives since 1996. Launched as a part of the Department of Defence (DOD) youth program, our purpose has been to support schools in training underrepresented kids for a future in STEM.
We provide a hands-on, minds-on experience in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), targeted toward fifth-grade students who live in rural locations, are socio-economically disadvantaged, and show low academic performance.
Children learn best through hands-on experience. That’s why we make learning fun for them. STARBASE provides an educational playground for fifth-graders that’s full of exciting activities that spark their imagination, trigger their curiosity, and make learning a fun and positive experience.
We’re here to build minds, confidence, independence, and resilience in our kids, so they can take on the future with a passion for learning.
Every child deserves a fair shot at life. Pelican State STARBASE is focused on providing the underrepresented group of children with an opportunity dedicated to improving their science, technology, engineering, and math skills to better prepare them for the future.
We’re constantly evolving and improving by providing an exciting educational experience where kids can learn how to think, question, and use their imagination to come up with solutions to their questions. Our goal is to provide more kids with an opportunity to delve into the world of STEM, both within and outside the military.
Our premier educational program consists of 25 hours of hands-on training, activities, learning, and experiments that are based on the established DOD STARBASE curriculum. With us, children get to interact with military personnel and observe STEM applications in the real world.
We encourage students to use their skills to set goals and achieve them. With Pelican State STARBASE, children can prepare for a future in STEM.
The Population We Serve
Our outstanding educational program is aimed toward low performance and Title 1 schools, historically and under-represented middle school students (primarily 5th grade), socio-economically disadvantaged, and racial or ethnic minorities.
STARBASE initiative has served more than 1.2 million students since 1993. Currently, that number stands at 83,645 students a year. We are everywhere: there are 78 DoD STARBASE Programs currently happening across 22 states.
The underserved groups we focus on include:
- Females
- American Indians
- Blacks/African Americans
- Hispanics/Latinos
- Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders
- Low-Income Students
- Students with Disabilities
- Students that use English as a Second Language
DoD STARBASE’s Efficacy
We’re building a world of scientists, leaders, and professionals. After a nationwide pre and post-test comparison, results show a 28 percent gain in knowledge and a dramatic positive shift toward the STEM subjects. The participants show an improved understanding of science and technology and an increase in self-confidence.
Curriculum Followed
- Physics & Chemistry (Motion & Force, Fluid Mechanics,
Building Blocks of Matter) - Energy (Energy Fundamentals)
- Technology (Current & Emerging Technology, Applying
Technology) - Engineering (Engineering Design Process, 3D Computer-Aided
Design) - Mathematics (Number & Number Relationships,
Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis) - STEM Careers (STEM Careers, Personal Investigations
Our Mission:
By exposing youth to the technological environment and positive role models found on military bases and installations, we will provide 25 hours of exemplary instruction, using a common core curriculum that meets or exceeds the National Standards. We will nurture a winning network of collaborators and build mutual loyalty.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to offer an opportunity for all Louisiana youth in fifth grade to actively participate in the Pelican State STARBASE program.
Our Goal:
Provide an outstanding educational experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for students and teachers in a hands-on, hi-tech, discovery inquiry-based environment on a military installation.