STARBASE
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio’s largest single-site employer, hosts DoD STARBASE Wright-Patt. Hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory and contracted through a cooperative agreement with Beavercreek City Schools, the program recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, having opened in 2004.
DoD STARBASE Wright-Patt serves over 3,300 students annually through core classroom visits and summer programs in June, July, and August. Through extensive outreach with partner organizations—including Sinclair Community College, the University of Dayton, Wright State University, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, the Dayton Dragons, and local school systems hosting four STARBASE Advanced programs—the initiative connects with an equal number of additional students to promote STEM education.
As one of the largest installations in the national program, DoD STARBASE Wright-Patt features four classrooms, a computer lab, a collaboration space, and a state-of-the-art fabrication foundry equipped with 16 high-speed 3D printers and laser engravers. This footprint will expand further with the addition of a dedicated conference room and a professional podcasting booth. Over the past six months, the facility has been updated with fresh paint and decor, new technology, and an energetic team of nine instructional staff members dedicated to making STEM accessible to all participants.
The core mission remains centered on introducing students to critical STEM career paths and preparing them for the future job market. Through strategic partnerships, DoD STARBASE reinforces state testing standards while providing hands-on access to cutting-edge technology. Despite challenges facing educators over the past several years—ranging from pandemic disruptions to tightening budgets—STARBASE Wright-Patt remains deeply committed to delivering a premier learning environment.
Email Ian for more information or call 937-656-8673.
5th Grade STEM
