It is the mission of the STARBASE program to expose our nations 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 National Standards. STARBASE Kelly has been housed in the 433rd Airlift Wing at JBSA-Lackland, Kelly Field since 1994!
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!
The 25 hours of STEM learning are supportive of what the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills require of 5th grade students. Being National curriculum, we also embed Next Generation Science Standards into our learning to ensure all Texas students have what it takes to keep up with peers from across the country!
Through our four main objectives, students dive into hands-on experiments that bring concepts like force, motion, and flight to life. By testing, observing, and asking questions, they discover how and why the world works—just like real scientists on a mission. Students complete hours of Science learning through science fundamentals, characteristic properties, motion and force, and finally, science explorations.
From coding to Computer Aided Design and all types of science and math equipment, our students use the same types of tools that power today’s world. They don’t just use technology—they learn to think with it, solve problems, and create something of their own.
Students take on real challenges that require planning, building, testing, and improving. Through the engineering design process, they learn that teamwork, creativity, and persistence are the keys to success. Learning to fail with progress at its core, students work in teams to communicate and collaborate effectively in scenarios that mimic STEM careers. Our students are true problem solvers.
STARBASE objectives in math include number relationships, measurement, geometry and data analysis. Math becomes a tool, not a hurdle. Students use it to measure, calculate, and make decisions in real time—building confidence as they apply math to solve meaningful, hands-on challenges.
By connecting with military members and STEM professionals right here at JBSA-Lackland, local students see how these skills translate into real careers in our community. They leave with a broader vision of what’s possible—and where they might fit in. Our STEMentors create the correlation between academic endeavors to real-world jobs.
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 |