LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE PARTNERS WITH FORGE INSTITUTE TO IMPLEMENT STARBASE ARKANSAS
Through LRAFB, the Department of Defense has approved funding for Forge Institute to open STARBASE Arkansas, a STEM-focused training program geared towards 5th graders
Forge Institute and the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base are partnering to provide Arkansas’ STARBASE program, whose focus is to motivate fifth graders to explore STEM opportunities. The program offers 25 hours of stimulating class experiences on military installations.
STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics” and refers to any subjects that fall under these four disciplines. Department of Defense (DoD) StarBase programs are implemented in 34 states, serving more than 1.5 million students since the program began in 1993. On average, total STEM knowledge scores increased by an overall 17% for students who attend the program. Teachers perceived that DoD STARBASE helps students better appreciate how math can be applied to a variety of situations.
“Little Rock Air Force Base has enjoyed a rich partnership with our surrounding school districts supporting STEM opportunities utilizing robust content of “hands-on – minds-on” educational initiatives,” said Col. Ochoa, Commander of the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Airforce Base. “Partnering with Forge Institute to implement STARBASE Arkansas allows us to take a critical next step to exciting youth to pursue STEM careers and build a stronger, more diverse trusted workforce. And of course, we hope some of them will choose to join the military and support the defense of our great country.”
The STARBASE program is designed to jumpstart interest in STEM education by creating an engaging curriculum that applies to the real world. The one-week program helps students understand and appreciate how STEM skills can open opportunities later on in life.
STEM skills are becoming increasingly important in Arkansas as the state has become an essential cybersecurity and infosec hub for the Nation. Forge Institute, whose instructors and staff bear extensive real-world experience in data defense, are taking a lead role in implementing the STARBASE program.
“Little Rock Air Force Base manages the STARBASE program and selected Forge Institute to implement by developing additional curriculum, hiring instructors and executing the program,” explained Scott A. Anderson, Executive Director of Forge Institute. “We see this as a real opportunity for Arkansas’ young people to discover their talents and get an early start on a rewarding career.”
According to Anderson, programs like STARBASE are essential to Arkansas’ standing as a national cyber leader. “We need an Arkansas who’s youth is proficient in STEM disciplines and recognizes the value of technology and innovation. Further, Arkansas needs youth who are able to enter the trusted workforce and contribute to the state’s growing IT, cyber, and defense sectors and military missions. We’re excited to help kids adopt a passion for cyber early in life, building a generation ready-made for the growing cyber industry.”
STARBASE Arkansas will initially coordinate with eleven school districts in central AR. However, the program is also open to home schooled youth as well.
To learn more about STARBASE Arkansas, including participating school districts and information regarding the curriculum, people are encouraged to visit www.starbasear.org.
Key Facts
Forge Institute and the 19th Airlift Wing (through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs) are partnering to provide Arkansas’ STARBASE program.
78 STARBASE programs exist across 22 states, more than 1.2 million students have been served since inception.
Occupations in the STEM field are expected to grow 8.0 percent by 2029, compared with 3.7 percent for all occupations.
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STARBASE Mission Statement: To expose our nation’s youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard, and Reserve military bases and installations, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our communities, by providing 25 hours of exemplary hands-on instruction and activities that meet or exceed the National Standards.
About Forge Institute
Forge Institute is the Nation’s leader in advancing cyber capabilities through innovative partnerships across the public and private sectors. Our mantra, “Forever One Step Ahead,” is our reminder to remain vigilant, updated, and innovative against an enemy that seeks nothing less than the permanent disruption of our way of life. Forge Institute’s portfolio includes the Emerging Threat Center, The Forge Academy, and Innovation Labs which explore industry and federally funded projects with our research partners. For more information, visit the Forge Institute at: https://www.forge.institute
About the 19th Airlift Wing
The 19th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command) is the host wing at Little Rock Air Force Base and provides the Department of Defense mission ready Airmen and supports the largest C-130 fleet in the world. As part of AMC's Global Reach capability, the wing's responsibilities range from supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas as well as supporting base partners as the host unit.
