Winchester STARBASE Academy School Year 2023-2024
The Winchester STARBASE Academy has been very busy during the fall semester of this school year.
We have had students from Daniel Morgan Intermediate, Apple Pie Ridge, Armel, Gainesboro, and Evendale Schools attend the 5-day program so far this semester. James Wood Middle School students are participating in STARBASE 2.0, an after school middle school program. Outreach programs we have supported include Girls in Aviation at the Winchester Regional Airport, Family STEM Night in Martinsburg, and literacy activities with The Kids Clubs of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Engaging children in STEM with inquiry-based, hands-on activities is our priority. Seeing the students light up with excitement about their education is the reason we love the STARBASE program.
Showing participating students the possibilities for their future is an important part of the program. The students go on a tour of the Winchester Readiness Center by one of the military members assigned to the unit and every class has a community guest speaker who shares their career. Guest speakers so far this semester have been Carley Walker (STEM flights), Tj O’Connor (author and anti-terrorism specialist), Lisa McCauley and Bill Cain (Winchester City engineers), Matt Peterson (connecting literacy to science), Dr. Jim Arnold (podiatrist), Dr. Lisa Zerull (nurse), Army Corps of Engineers, and Sgt. Joe Karlinsey and Stryker (Winchester Police K9). Each guest speaker does an exciting activity with the class, such as building a bridge, dissecting a cow’s heart, or a K9 demonstration. We appreciate all of our guest speakers and the work they do inspiring our students in considering a future in a STEM career. THANK YOU!!
Sgt. Joe Karlinsey and Striker demonstrate obedience and seeking skills.
NEWS
MISSION
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.
VISION
To be the premier Department of Defense youth outreach program for raising the interest in learning and improving the knowledge and skills of our nation's at risk youth so that we may develop a highly educated and skilled American workforce who can meet the advance technological requirements of the Department of Defense.
