Starbase Robins

Why STARBASE?

Department of Defense (DoD) STARBASE offers a positive, proven approach to engendering excitement and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.). Learn why this knowledge is important to our nation’s future.

“STARBASE is the most awesome experience I have ever had the privilege of being part of.”
– Angela Vinson, Twiggs County Middle School

“Participating in STARBASE Robins has given me an opportunity to volunteer in local schools and LEGO Robotics tournaments.”
– Wes Barfield, R.A.F.B., 402 MXSG/MXDEU

“STARBASE 2.0 has been a very positive experience for me and I’ve actually learned more from the students than they have from me.”
– Yerby Billingslea, Weaver Middle School

Our STARBASE Robins

STARBASE is finding the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math fields. By providing area youth with innovative, hands-on, free education opportunities in STEM subjects, we help students envision a future in STEM.

STARBASE Robins was the 18th STARBASE to begin operations with its inaugural classes in 1996. It is one of numerous civil-military cooperation initiatives approved by Major General Robert A. McIntosh, United States Air Force, Chief of Air Force Reserve.

Since its beginning, STARBASE Robins has graduated over 17,500 students from its programs, including the school year program and summer academies. STARBASE Robins produced its first ever Robotics Academy in July of 2003. Training in STEM has also been done through summer Teacher Academies.

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What is STARBASE?

STARBASE began in 1989, as an idea in the minds of three people. Barbara Koscak, a Michigan elementary school teacher; Brigadier General David Arendts (Ret.), Commander of the 127th Fighter Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan; and Lieutenant Colonel Rico Racosky, an F-16 pilot and creator of dreams + action=Reality.

Their dream was to create a program which responded to the needs of youth through a curricula of goal setting skills and stimulating hands-on math and science activities, coupled with drug demand reduction.

The very first program was funded with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, establishing a pilot program at Selfridge. After a year of classes, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, responding to a letter of support from Lieutenant General John Conway, Commander of the Air National Guard, sought the additional support from Georgia Senator Sam Nunn. In the summer of 1992, Senators Levin and Nunn presented the STARBASE program to Congress for funding under the Department of Defense budget. In October of the same year, President George H. Bush signed a bill into law making funding available for the next seven years.

Curriculum