A Department of Defense initiative connecting 5th through 8th grade students with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through immersive, mission-based learning on an active Air Force installation.
Established in 1994, STARBASE-Kelly is a congressionally mandated Department of Defense STEM program hosted at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland. Sponsored by the 433rd Airlift Wing at Kelly Field, the program immerses students in hands-on, inquiry-based STEM challenges set on an active military installation.
Over 25 structured hours, students engage with the science and technology behind real Air Force missions — working alongside active-duty personnel and DoD civilians to explore careers in engineering, aviation, computing, and beyond.
Each unit is built around authentic Air Force missions and Next Generation Science Standards, giving students real context for every concept they encounter.
Students apply the engineering design process — building, testing, and iterating on structural and aeronautical challenges used in real USAF logistics.
Explore aerodynamics, principles of flight, and the aerospace engineering behind the 433rd's C-5M Super Galaxy and other Air Force platforms.
Age-appropriate programming activities introduce computational thinking, automation, and the logic driving modern defense technologies.
Real-world math problems drawn from military logistics, navigation data, satellite communications, and mission planning scenarios.
Panel discussions and base walkthroughs with active-duty Airmen and DoD civilian professionals across multiple career fields.
Satellites, space systems, and how Air Force Space Command technology advances national security and global communications.
Tools and materials for educators, parents, and students to prepare for and extend learning beyond the program.
All visitors to JBSA Lackland must complete a base access request in advance. Our team will guide you through the process upon registration.
Limited transportation assistance may be available for qualifying Title I schools. Contact us for more information when registering.
Voices from students, educators, and volunteers who have experienced STARBASE-Kelly firsthand. Replace these placeholder quotes with real participant testimonials before publishing.
The dedicated educators, military professionals, and coordinators who make STARBASE-Kelly possible every day.
| Location | JBSA Lackland / Kelly Field San Antonio, Texas |
| starbase.kelly@us.af.mil | |
| Phone | (210) 671-STEM |
| Hours | Mon – Fri · 0800–1400 25 hrs · 5 session program |
| Sponsor | 433rd Airlift Wing Kelly Field, TX |
| Auth | DoD STARBASE Program Est. 1994 |