Davids Celebrates Reopening of STARBASE Kansas City, Expanding STEM Opportunities for Students
KANSAS CITY, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids celebrated the reopening of the STARBASE facility at the Kansas City Readiness Center, which provides hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning experiences for elementary-aged students at no cost to school districts. Davids was joined by Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Representative Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), and community leaders, educators, and students.
"Programs like STARBASE give Kansas students a head start in STEM, opening doors to careers in aviation, cybersecurity, engineering, and public service," said 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 City facility, which was temporarily closed in 2023 due to water damage, has undergone a full remodel and reconstruction. Renovations included complete upgrades to the basement and first floor, modernized interiors, communications systems, lighting, and mechanical and electrical systems. The $6.8 million renovation was funded through a combination of $4.9 million in federal support and $1.9 million from the state. Kansas hosts five STARBASE locations, including Kansas City, Manhattan, Topeka, Salina, and Wichita.
Davids has been a consistent supporter of STARBASE in Congress, including the program in her appropriations requests for four consecutive cycles. In early 2025, STARBASE faced a significant funding disruption due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) federal grant cuts. Davids worked to ensure that federal investment was restored, allowing STARBASE to continue serving thousands of Kansas students.
STARBASE’s mission is not only to teach STEM skills but also to reach underserved communities and provide mentorship from uniformed service members. By bringing this program to Kansas City, students who may not otherwise have access to hands-on STEM labs can now explore, learn, and build skills that will serve them — and Kansas — for years to come. These skills are critical for the broader economy, helping develop the next generation of innovators, engineers, and leaders who will strengthen local businesses and create new jobs.