Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that STARBASE Academy will be coming to Fort Drum. DoD STARBASE is a Department of Defense educational program which focuses primarily on encouraging fifth graders to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math opportunities. Students participate in challenging “hands-on, minds-on" STEM activities, and interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the real world.

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Stefanik wrote a letter of support to DoD after Fort Drum submitted an application to host a STARBASE Academy.

“Programs like STARBASE are critical in creating opportunities for youth to experience STEM activities, and I am proud that Fort Drum will host this important program,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “As the chief advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I was proud to advocate for this incredible opportunity to invest in the well-being, growth and education of our children who will become tomorrow’s leaders. I look forward to the years of positive impact that this program will have on the students and communities located around Fort Drum.”

“We often talk about the mutually beneficial relationship we have with our local communities – what is good for the North Country is good for Fort Drum and vice versa. We are acting as a home base for the STARBASE program, and our local schools are working to take advantage of the opportunity to the tune of approximately 1800 children receiving 25 hours of cutting-edge STEM instruction in the initial phase.  STARBASE is a classic example of us all being better together,” said Colonel Jeffery Lucas, Fort Drum Garrison Commander.