STARBASE Indiana

STARBASE Indiana offers a Basic (1.0) Program with hands-on, minds-on experiential activities in STEAM for an entire class of up to 32 students. The main program is a 5-day, 25-hour intensive STEM program that can run as 5 sequential days or one day a week for 5 weeks. It also offers an Advanced (2.0) after-school program for middle school students and Summer STEM Academies.

Programs

• Basic (1.0) Program — primarily fifth graders; designed at the 5th grade level for an entire class (up to 32 students) · 5 sequential days (Monday-Friday of a single week) or one day a week for 5 weeks; 25 hours total · Inspiring Youth; hands-on, minds-on experiential activities in STEAM; free to schools; school provides transportation and lunches; teacher and a few chaperones must attend and stay all day
• Advanced (2.0) AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM — middle school students · after-school
• Summer STEM Academies — summer camps

At a glance

• Ages: 10 years old
• General schedule: The main program is a 5-day, 25-hour intensive STEM program; it can be run either for 5 sequential days (Monday-Friday of a single week) or one day a week for 5 weeks.

About the provider

The DoD STARBASE Program first originated in Detroit, Michigan as Project STARS in 1991. In FY 1993, the U.S. Congress appropriated funds for DoD STARBASE and piloted the program in seven states. Military personnel and volunteers interact with students, lead tours, give lectures, and serve as role models. The program works with school districts and local communities. The mission is to motivate fifth graders to explore STEAM/STEM opportunities as they continue their education and to encourage students to set goals and achieve them.

There is no cost to the school for the main program. Individual students and students in grades other than 5th are typically not accepted for the main program. Homeschool groups with at least 20 fifth-grade students might be accommodated. The program can be flexible regarding arrival and departure times. No military recruiting is pushed.

What families say

“The desire to achieve is won or lost in the mind of the students… but the outcome depends on the judgment, skill and courage of the individuals. I personally guarantee that STARBASE Indiana promotes a plethora of attributes that will do nothing but help our children be successful in all of their endeavors faced while climbing the ladder of success.” — CMSgt James E. Salway II, Retired, Indiana Air National Guard

Last updated September 4, 2026.