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ArticleCS

STARBASE graduates local students

  • Published
  • By Giancarlo Casem
  • 412th Test Wing
PALMDALE, Calif. --  

Fifth graders from the STARBASE Edwards program were honored during a graduation ceremony at the Idea Academy at Cottonwood Elementary School in Palmdale, California, Oct. 23.

STARBASE Edwards is a joint program between the Department of Defense, the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, local educators, non-profit organizations and industry partners. The goal of STARBASE is to increase children’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Everything that we have done to set up STARBASE…the whole reason everybody is in the room today is about you,” said keynote speaker, Dr. David Smith, the 412th Test Wing Installation Support Director, to the children in attendance. “We want to open that door to you to understand and explore dynamic and cool and interesting things.”

The STARBASE Edwards program is a 25-hour curriculum and allowed the Cottonwood students to come to the base to learn about STEM and a chance to see real-world applications of STEM.

“I don’t know if you’re going to pursue a career as a scientist or an engineer; I don’t know what you’re going to do in your future…what I would like you to do is just remember that your eyes have been opened a little bit to the fact that there are lots of different opportunities out there and some of them deal with STEM,” Smith said.

Smith also explained that the STARBASE students now have a better understanding of how things work and used the upcoming Antelope Valley Airshow in October 2020 as an example.

“You’re going to look at that airshow just a little bit differently because…we know that when you see that airplane, most people (will say), ‘that’s a really cool airplane,’ you’re going to (say), ‘there’s dynamics of lift that go along with that aircraft and I know why planes are designed that way,’” Smith said.

Amira Flores, the STARBASE Edwards Director, looked forward to be able to return to Cottonwood to continue the partnership between Edwards and the Westside Union School District.

“I’m hoping we get to have all of you again next year, you’ll be a sixth grader, but you can pass on the wonderful information of STEM to the fourth graders who will be fifth graders,” Flores said.

Slide show

STARBASE graduates local students

  • Published
  • By Giancarlo Casem
  • 412th Test Wing
PALMDALE, Calif. --  

Fifth graders from the STARBASE Edwards program were honored during a graduation ceremony at the Idea Academy at Cottonwood Elementary School in Palmdale, California, Oct. 23.

STARBASE Edwards is a joint program between the Department of Defense, the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, local educators, non-profit organizations and industry partners. The goal of STARBASE is to increase children’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Everything that we have done to set up STARBASE…the whole reason everybody is in the room today is about you,” said keynote speaker, Dr. David Smith, the 412th Test Wing Installation Support Director, to the children in attendance. “We want to open that door to you to understand and explore dynamic and cool and interesting things.”

The STARBASE Edwards program is a 25-hour curriculum and allowed the Cottonwood students to come to the base to learn about STEM and a chance to see real-world applications of STEM.

“I don’t know if you’re going to pursue a career as a scientist or an engineer; I don’t know what you’re going to do in your future…what I would like you to do is just remember that your eyes have been opened a little bit to the fact that there are lots of different opportunities out there and some of them deal with STEM,” Smith said.

Smith also explained that the STARBASE students now have a better understanding of how things work and used the upcoming Antelope Valley Airshow in October 2020 as an example.

“You’re going to look at that airshow just a little bit differently because…we know that when you see that airplane, most people (will say), ‘that’s a really cool airplane,’ you’re going to (say), ‘there’s dynamics of lift that go along with that aircraft and I know why planes are designed that way,’” Smith said.

Amira Flores, the STARBASE Edwards Director, looked forward to be able to return to Cottonwood to continue the partnership between Edwards and the Westside Union School District.

“I’m hoping we get to have all of you again next year, you’ll be a sixth grader, but you can pass on the wonderful information of STEM to the fourth graders who will be fifth graders,” Flores said.

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.