STARBASE Victory hosts Launching Futures...the first regional STEM Education Awards Dinner!

At some point in our lives, most of us have experienced when a child gets excited about STEM related activities. Maybe they learn to love math or complete a science project that they felt like their participation made a difference or perhaps, they learn help Clean the Bay and figure out that taking care of our natural resources is important.

I have been involved with a program in Hampton Roads which has graduated 17,000 students in STEM education. Many have experienced the excitement of learning, improved their grades, and even stayed involved through high school to begin college or work in a STEM related career. STARBASE Victory is unique in this region as it reaches all fourth, fifth and sixth grade Portsmouth Public School students (over 3000) during the school year. While many school systems offer clubs and special programs to students who are interested in STEM, in Portsmouth, every child attends STARBASE Victory for four day “camps” during each of the three years. Because students and parents have requested more opportunities, summer camps extend STEM experiences to 430 students during 23 weeks of free summer camp experiences. A fundamental belief is that it important to share this model and increase awareness about the values of early exposure to STEM education.

To that end, STARBASE Victory Inc, the 501C3 fundraising body that supports the STARBASE Victory program, is planning an awareness and awards dinner celebrating the contributions of leaders in STEM in the Tidewater region. The theme, Launching Futures...Shining a Light on STEM Education, speaks columns. STARBASE Victory Inc. hopes to connect the businesses that are in search of STEM graduates with educators interested in developing a STEM skilled workforce.

Launching Futures is…

·       An inaugural dinner planned for March 11, 2020 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Norfolk Sheraton Hotel

·       With two exciting presenters who advocate early exposure to STEM: Dr. Tina Manglicmot, Director for STEM and Innovation for the Virginia Department of Education and Dr. Julian Earls, retired Director of the NASA Glenn Research Center.

·       A recognition for six individual and business awards that highlight successful contributions to STEM initiatives and education. We hope you will congratulate the 2020 STEM education award winners! Please visit STARBASE Victory today to learn about one of these exciting businesses.

Tickets and sponsorships are going fast, but we want as many organizations and individuals as possible to celebrate STEM education with us! Please also learn more about how to get involved at www.starbasevictory.org. For more information, contacted [email protected] or Susan Long-Molnar, Development Director: 757-513-8633.