Comstock Statement on Funding of DoD STARBASE Program

Statement

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after she submitted a bipartisan letter to the Appropriations Committee to maintain resources for the Department of Defense STARBASE Program at current funding levels. Congresswoman Comstock is Co-chair of the STARBASE Caucus in the House of Representatives:

"The STARBASE program gives school-aged students a hands-on STEM education experience that can put them on a path toward being STEM leaders in the 21st Century economy," said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock. "I have seen firsthand at the Winchester STARBASE Academy how excited young students are when they participate in this innovative program that captures their imaginations and interests in STEM learning. I am happy to continue to lead this effort in maintaining resources to fund STARBASE nationwide. The 21st Century STEM jobs on which our nation is becoming increasingly reliant require our next generation to be well-versed in these fields so they can advance our nation as we compete globally."

"I would like to thank Congresswoman Comstock for her strong support of the STARBASE program," said Susan Corrigan, Project Director at Winchester STARBASE Academy. "She shares our belief that it is vital to inspire children early before goals and educational pathways have been solidified. STARBASE provides 25 hours of exciting, hands-on STEM curriculum to elementary and middle school students in order to encourage children to consider a future in the fast-growing STEM career fields. Nationwide, STARBASE students gain 35 percentage points on tests of science and math knowledge after one week of participation. An exciting STEM education will generate productive citizens that are necessary for Homeland Security, the military, and the future of our country."

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