The Kansas STARBASE STEM program, a pivotal initiative supported by the National Guard and the Department of Defense, has temporarily ceased operations due to a significant federal funding gap.
This suspension affects approximately 1,000 fifth-grade students and 29 employees across five Kansas cities, including Wichita, Salina, and Topeka.
Impact on Students and Staff
As of February 4, 2025, the program’s suspension has led to 24 out of 29 staff members being placed on unpaid leave.
Each month the program remains inactive, another 1,000 students miss out on invaluable STEM education opportunities.
Executive Director Melissa Peat expressed her concerns, stating, “While my staff will feel real financial pain and miss teaching, my heart really goes out to the kids and their classroom teachers who no longer are able to come to STARBASE until funding is restored – those students have been looking forward to coming all year.”
Program Overview
Established in 1993, the Kansas STARBASE program has introduced over 131,000 students to STEM education through immersive, hands-on activities. The program operates in five cities:
| City | Status |
|---|---|
| Wichita | Suspended |
| Salina | Suspended |
| Topeka | Suspended |
| Kansas City | Suspended |
| Manhattan | Suspended |
The curriculum offers 25 hours of STEM instruction at military installations, aiming to motivate students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math fields as they continue their education.
The program also provides students with the opportunity to interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe real-world STEM applications.
Funding Challenges
The suspension stems from a continuing resolution gap in U.S. government funding, leading to a significant reduction in the Department of Defense’s STARBASE budget.
This shortfall has forced the temporary halt of operations in Kansas and potentially affects other STARBASE programs nationwide.
Peat remains hopeful, stating, “I am confident we will be able to re-ignite the STARBASE program, but our hands are tied until congress approves an FY25 budget that adequately funds the more than 90 DoD STARBASE programs across the country.”
Community Response
Parents and educators have expressed concern over the program’s suspension. Kacy Meinecke, a parent of a fifth-grader, emphasized the program’s importance: “These are core values that are going to help her exceed in life as a young person but also as an adult. As technology continues to advance, she’s going to need to learn a lot of these things that were being provided.”
The temporary shutdown of the Kansas STARBASE STEM program highlights the critical need for consistent federal funding to support educational initiatives that prepare students for future technological advancements.
As stakeholders await congressional action on the FY25 budget, the hope is that operations will resume promptly, ensuring that Kansas students continue to benefit from this invaluable program.