HILL AIR FORCE BASE—It’s been 15 years since Hill Air Force Base started its sponsorship of the DoW STARBASE program, a legacy of inspiring and educating students. Hill AFB announced recently that its sponsorship is ending.

The program started in 2011 and has welcomed thousands of students since then. STARBASE participants received hands-on learning about science, technology, engineering and math when those opportunities were limited. STARBASE has played a pivotal role in encouraging STEM interest across the region, creating a lasting impact on a generation of young people, a Hill AFB release said.

Many of the STEM programs in Northern Utah were inspired by STARBASE’s early success. Changes in national program funding and the expansion of these STEM programs marks a natural moment for transition, the release said. 

Concluding the program allows Hill AFB to realign resources to meet the growing demands of its core national security mission. The base will remain committed to community partnership and will continue to support educational outreach.