STARBASE One program at Selfridge shuttered temporarily due to budget issues

The noisy sounds of students experiencing the sensation of coding a robot for a mission on Mars or what it is like to be a NASA astronaut on their way to the international space station, while learning mathematics, science and a galaxy system Starbase One is no longer heard of other courses.

“We are temporarily closed,” said Rick Simms, director of Starbase during Wednesday’s tour through the facility on Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. “They have redeemed all workforce but the directors.”

As Simms explained to hundreds of parents, teachers, service members and community leaders who have responded since the closure of the program was announced, this is due to budget issues.

Starbase originated at Sang in 1991.

A subsidy from the WK Kellogg Foundation has contributed to the launch of the program designed to offer young students an unforgettable and meaningful science, technology, engineering, engineering and mathematics through practical activities such as coding and chromatography. It was the first program in the country.

As soon as the message of the success came out, the program left as a rocket.

Nowadays there are 90 Starbase programs that are active in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as two other Michigan sites in Alpena and Battle Creek, which are all financed by the Ministry of Defense (DOD).

“Every year, the Financing accounts congress approves the federal government, which, when he is signed by the president, becomes law. We were introduced our current tax year on October 1, 2024 without a budget, “said Simms. “The federal government is currently active in a continuous resolution and offers limited funds.”

However, funds for Starbase are fully issued.

During the federal budget, the House of Representatives and the Senate could not agree on how much he attributed to the Starbase programs. The house suggested $ 60 million, while the Senate prevented $ 20 million. As a result of inequality, Dod’s financial reporting and accounting office would release only $ 20 million during the continuous resolution, resulting in the temporary closure of the program.

“There is still a possibility that the congress could come to an agreement and the $ 60 million could fully finance for the program,” said Simms, who hopes that this will happen sooner.

Anyone who visits Starbase can see that it is equipped with some of the coolest space gadgets, gizmos and equipment on earth, including rockets, robots and a space shuttle simulator.

But it is really the Starbase team that led to its success.

“They are the heart and soul of this program,” said Simms, whose immediate goal is to raise enough money to reopen the doors before he loses the incredible team he has.

“We must be given as much exposure as possible,” said Melissa Myers of New Baltimore, a member of the SIMMS Starbase team. “We have to get the word out.”

Myers is a veteran. She served in the US Air Force reserves from 1984 to 1992 and insists that she came to the track lottery when she was hired as a voice (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teacher for Starbase.

“We all connect so well and when the children arrive – and they come everywhere – it’s all about them,” said Myers. “I wish everyone could see the enthusiasm on their faces. They are inspired. They are geeked. They are so excited that you just know that you have made a memory that will last a lifetime. “

The next Sally that climbs in the shuttle cockpit can be the next Sally ride.

Every year in the southeast of Michigan, schools are invited to take advantage of the voice curriculum that is offered annually, which corresponds to national and state training standards. It is aimed at influenceable fifth class players, but special events and a summer camp are also offered to students.

Ask every child or adult who attended Starbase and there is a good chance that they will brag about their experience.

“We have a 10 -year waiting list for schools that try to step on the simulator that the children can fly,” said Myers. “It is really a first -class facility. It’s just a shame to see this in danger. ‘

Starbase One is a non -profit.

Although it is financed by the DOD -monetary donations can be accepted. Parents and former students have already visited the donation page on the website: Starbaseone.org. But to support the program, there is a desperate need for business donations and sponsors, including manufacturers of space travel in Macomb County, whose workforce benefits from programs such as Starbase.

Among those who want to collect the support for the facility, the Senator Kevin Hertel by Michigan State, who, together with a crew of CBS News, is through Starbase One Tourde.

“It is an incredible program and it has offered more opportunities for students in the region,” said Hertel. “I would call on the federal government to reconsider their decision to reduce this financing. This is the danger to make really broad cuts without considering the impact that it will have directly on our communities. “

After his tour through the facility, Hertel admitted that he was a bit jealous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD2ITNW9POK

“I knew nothing about this program,” he said, about his younger person. “There is no doubt that it would have opened my eyes to other opportunities.”

Bernie Lemieux agreed. As a former director of Grosse Pointe South High School, he has a valuable program when he sees it, or should we say, hear it.

“When I was a manager and I heard laughter and cheers from a classroom, as you often belong to Starbase, I knew what was going on in that room, a good learning experience for the students,” said Starbase administrative director.

For more information about how you can help starbaseone.org.