STARBASE ND is a program that “provides 25-hours of hands-on, minds-on, high-tech discovery and inquiry-based activities to fifth grade students using a common curriculum that meets or exceeds a variety of National Standards. The 25-hours of STEAM instruction is carried out as an extension of the traditional classroom, where classrooms of students are brought out to a military installation and, along with engaging in STEAM activities, are given opportunities to engage with positive role models and the technological environment found on military bases and installations” (starbasenorthdakota.com). At Minot Air Force Base, STARBASE ND is located in North Plains Elementary School. Fifth grade classrooms from Minot Public Schools and regional schools attend the program. Additionally, STARBASE ND hosts two five-day STARBASE Summer Academies open to all regional students who just completed fifth grade and will be attending sixth grade in the fall.
The government shutdown affected a number of students scheduled to attend this year’s STARBASE ND program on Minot Air Force Base. From October 10th to 31st, three Longfellow Elementary classrooms totaling 60 students were unable to attend, and in November, approximately 75 students from John Hoeven Elementary also missed out. A total of 135 local students were unable to participate and, unfortunately, this may occur again after January 30th, 2026.
On November 24th, I received word that our current continued resolution provided funds for the program and as the program’s fiscal manager, this couldn’t be more welcomed news! I eagerly notified Minot Public Schools! A special MPS District #1 Board Meeting was held on December 2nd, 2025, and the board approved the contract for Mr. Jon Dawson, STARBASE ND Director, to facilitate the STARBASE ND program from December 3rd, 2025 to January 30th, 2026. The 5th grade students attending during this timeframe will be those in North Plains Elementary School and Dakota Elementary School on Minot AFB.
Although we do not know whether STARBASE ND will continue after January 30th, 2026, I remain hopeful and absolutely 100% grateful for both our STARBASE ND Director and teacher, Ms. Hannah Powell. They have professionally and faithfully stood by, waiting for funding, and jumped as soon as it dropped. We are lucky to have Mr. Dawson and Ms. Powell run this unpredictable—yet highly valuable—program with such aplomb!
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of War of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
