U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) last week applauded the launch of a new U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) education program in his district at the Porterville Military Academy at Butterfield High School in Porterville, Calif.
“I am grateful to the collaborative efforts by the Department of Defense, California National Guard, Porterville Military Academy, and the Porterville Unified School District that have made this program become a reality for our local students,” Rep. McCarthy said on Aug. 18. “With this new investment, I cannot wait to see the benefits in our community and country in the years ahead.”
The DOD STARBASE program is an educational program sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in which students participate in challenging activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), interacting with military personnel to explore careers and observe real-world STEM applications.
The program’s launch at the Porterville Military Academy will give fifth-grade students in partnership with surrounding school districts a place to explore STEM-related topics starting this school year, according to information provided by Rep. McCarthy’s staff.
Earlier this year, Rep. McCarthy wrote in support of the STARBASE application, which the California National Guard submitted on behalf of the Porterville Military Academy, the information says.
“There are few things in this world that are as wholesome as a young child who is excited about learning. In our community, I am proud to say that countless students fit this mold,” said Rep. McCarthy, noting that the STARBASE program “is a state-of-the-art program that provides students with opportunities to learn more about STEM through hands-on learning.”
“I have no doubt that this program will help to inspire a generation of future STEM leaders,” he said.
In addition to the California National Guard, numerous state and local stakeholders also voiced support for the program, including California lawmakers, Porterville Unified School District Superintendent Nate Nelson, and Porterville City Manager John Lollis.
The DOD STARBASE program at the Porterville Military Academy is the department’s fifth and newest program location in California and the second in the 23rd District of California.