By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva
Kansas families will soon have the opportunity to sign children up for hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning this summer through Kansas STARBASE. Kansas STARBASE is part of a U.S. Department of Defense youth outreach program that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. The program aims to spark student interest in STEM fields and help schools meet state and national education standards.
Registration for the 2026 Summer Academies opens at 10 a.m. on March 24, according to the program’s website. The academies are offered at STARBASE locations across the state, including Kansas City, Manhattan, Salina, Topeka and Wichita, and are designed for students in 4th-6th grades. Programs will run in June, with camps scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (excluding USD 383 Camp and Camp North Star)
Students can choose from a variety of themed academies such as Rockets & Robots, Young Engineers, Drobots, and Flight School, all focused on science, technology, engineering and math concepts.
Due to high demand, students are limited to one academy per summer, and priority is given to military-connected families and those who have not previously attended. Parents must complete and submit an application to their chosen STARBASE site, and families will be notified once their application is accepted, and will be notified within two weeks if their child has a seat in the academy.
More information and application materials are available on the Kansas STARBASE website.
