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 Department of Defense–supported STEM program located at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland and sponsored by the 433rd Airlift Wing at Kelly Field. We provide students with a one-of-a-kind learning experience inside an active military environment. The DoD STARBASE Program is open to any local public or private school serving 5th grade classrooms. STARBASE Kelly gives preference to our local Title I communities.
During the 25 hours of hands-on, inquiry-based instruction, students explore the science and technology behind real Air Force missions. Along the way, they connect with active-duty service members and STEM professionals, gaining insight into careers in aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, and more!
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.
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 and coordinators who make STARBASE-Kelly possible every day.
Every dollar donated to STARBASE-Kelly puts a middle school student on an active Air Force base, hands-on with real aerospace hardware and the people who operate it. For many of these kids, it is the first time science and math feel like something they can do — and be.
STARBASE is free to the schools we serve. That means your contribution directly funds engineering kits, robotics materials, and the mentorship of Airmen who give their time to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.
| Location | JBSA Lackland / Kelly Field San Antonio, Texas |
| director@starbasekelly.org | |
| Phone | (210) 925-3708 |
| Hours | Mon – Fri · 0800–1400 25 hrs · 5 session program |
| Sponsor | 433rd Airlift Wing Kelly Field, TX |
| Auth | DoD STARBASE Program Est. 1994 |