STARBASE Facility Reopens in Kansas City, Offering Hands-On STEM Learning for Students

Representative Sharice Davids celebrated the reopening of the STARBASE facility at the Kansas City Readiness Center. The program offers hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning for elementary students at no cost to schools. Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Roger Marshall, Representative Derek Schmidt, and local leaders, teachers, and students joined the event.

The Kansas City STARBASE had closed in 2023 due to water damage. The $6.8 million renovation included upgrades to the basement and first floor, modern interiors, lighting, communications, and mechanical systems. The release stated that funding came from $4.9 million in federal support and $1.9 million from the state. Kansas has five STARBASE sites: Kansas City, Manhattan, Topeka, Salina, and Wichita.

“Programs like STARBASE give Kansas students a head start in STEM, opening doors to careers in aviation, cybersecurity, engineering, and public service,” said Rep. Davids. “These programs don’t just prepare kids for their futures — they strengthen our local economy by building a pipeline of talent that will attract businesses, create good-paying jobs, and keep Kansas competitive. I’m proud to support this bipartisan program that reaches students from all backgrounds, ensuring that opportunity is never limited by ZIP Code.”

The Kansas STARBASE program is currently open for applications for its summer program. Programs are available for 4th–6th graders at its five Kansas STARBASE locations, running Monday–Thursday in June.