Van Hollen, Cardin, Ruppersberger Welcome STARBASE STEM Education Program at Warfield Air National Guard Base

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) today announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) partnership with the 175th Wing at Warfield Air National Guard Base to establish its newest STARBASE program – an educational program located at the base that will provide outreach in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to local schools, exposing students to new opportunities in these fields.

Earlier this year, the lawmakers wrote to the Director of Civil Military Programs, Mr. Mike O’Toole in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Manpower and Reserve Affairs requesting a STARBASE location in Maryland. The Senators also helped secure $20M for the DOD’s STARBASE Program in the bipartisan Senate FY25 Defense Appropriations bill which was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 1, 2024.

“The importance of STEM education cannot be overstated, and in an increasingly technology-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields is higher than ever. The STARBASE program has a proven track record of success in inspiring young minds and providing them with the foundational skills necessary to pursue careers in STEM,” said the lawmakers. “We look forward to the Maryland National Guard leading this program and leveraging its resources and expertise to provide exceptional educational experiences for our youth.” 

“The Department of Defense STARBASE program is an outstanding educational initiative designed to spark interest and excitement of 5thgrade students toward a future in STEM”, said Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, the Adjutant General for Maryland. "I'm excited to see both Maryland and DoD investing in the promise of our youth and the power in their future.  Our shared goal is to provide a pathway to opportunity for Maryland's fresh young minds -- encouraging them to explore tech fields, sharpening their curiosity, and building confidence in their talent and abilities."

The DoD’s STARBASE is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. At DoD STARBASE, students participate in challenging “hands-on, minds-on” activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). They interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the “real world.” The program provides students with 25 hours of stimulating experiences at National Guard, Marine, Air Force Reserve, Army, and Air Force bases across the nation.