Starbase Looming Closure STEMS from Lack of Funding

Depending on when and where you grew up, some of you may remember being part of Starbase Academy—a program that expands across the country to introduce STEM careers to young children. Funded by the Department of Defense, Wyoming’s own Starbase Academy in Cheyenne is one of 90 nationwide programs in danger of closing due to a lack of federal funding. While many of the programs have already closed, each of the rest will be forced to close their doors within a month unless action is taken by Congress. At this point in time, Wyoming’s own program is only able to stay open because of interim funding provided by Governor Gordon.

WY We Care: Programs like Starbase are essential for preparing Wyoming youth to take on the needs of our future workforce. By generating an interest in STEM career fields at an early age, Starbase Academy helps to fill vacant jobs that we don’t currently have people to fill.

Get Involved: President of the Wyoming Starbase Foundation Board, Danielle Jensen-Ryan, recently posted a letter from the board that urges community members to advocate for the program by reaching out to Senator Barrasso, Wyoming Air National Guard Director of Strategic Communications Joseph Coslett Jr., and Governor Gordon.