The boisterous sounds of students experiencing the thrill of coding a robot for a mission on Mars or what it is like to be a NASA astronaut headed for the International Space Station, while learning math, science and a galaxy of other subjects can no longer be heard at STARBASE ONE.

“We’ve been temporarily shut down,” said Rick Simms, director of STARBASE during Wednesday’s tour of the facility at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. “They furloughed all of the staff but the directors.”

As Simms explained to hundreds of parents, teachers, service members and community leaders who have responded since the shuttering of the program was announced, it’s due to budget issues.

STARBASE originated at SANG in 1991.

A grant provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation helped launch the program that’s designed to provide young students with an unforgettable and meaningful science, technology, engineering and math learning experience through hands-on activities such as coding and chromatography. It was the first program in the country.

Once word of its success got out the program took off like a rocket.

Today, there are 90 STARBASE programs operating across the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as two other Michigan sites in Alpena and Battle Creek, all of which are funded by the Department of Defense (DoD).

“Each year, Congress passes funding bills for the federal government, which, when signed by the president, becomes law. We entered our current fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2024 with no budget in place,” Simms said. “The federal government is currently operating on a continuing resolution, providing limited funds.”

However, funds for STARBASE are fully expended.

During federal budget talks the House of Representatives and the Senate could not agree on how much to allocate for the STARBASE programs.

The House proposed $60 million while the Senate countered with $20 million. As a result of the disparity, DoD’s financial reporting and accounting office would only release $20 million during the continuing resolution resulting in the temporary closure of the program.

“There’s still a possibility that Congress could come to an agreement and fully fund the $60 million needed for the program,” said Simms, who is hoping that will happen sooner rather than later.

Anyone who visits STARBASE can see it’s equipped with some of the coolest aerospace gadgets, gizmos and equipment on Earth, including rockets, robots and a space shuttle simulator.

But it’s really the STARBASE team that has led to its success.

“They are the heart and soul of this program,” said Simms, whose immediate goal is to raise enough money to reopen the doors before he loses the incredible team that he has in place.

“We need to get as much exposure as we can,” said Melissa Myers of New Baltimore, a member of Simms’ STARBASE team. “We need to get the word out.”

Myers is a veteran. She served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1984 to 1992 and insists she hit the job lottery when she was hired on as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teacher for STARBASE.

“We just all connect so well and when the children arrive — and they come from all over — it’s all about them,” Myers said. “I wish everyone could see the enthusiasm on their faces. They’re inspired. They’re geeked. They’re so excited you just know you’ve created a memory that will last a lifetime.”

The next Sally to climb into the shuttle’s cockpit could be the next Sally Ride.

Each year schools in Southeastern Michigan are invited to take advantage of the STEM curriculum offered annually, which aligns with national and state educational standards. It’s geared for impressionable fifth-graders but special events and a summer camp is also offered to students.

Ask any child or adult who has attended STARBASE and chances are they will boast about their experience.

“We have a 10-year waiting list for schools trying to get in on the simulator that the kids get to fly,” Myers said. “It’s really a top-notch facility. It’s just a shame to see this jeopardized.”

STARBASE One is a nonprofit.

Even though it’s funded by the DoD monetary donations can be accepted. Parents and former students have already visited the donation page on the website: Starbaseone.org. But in order to sustain the program, there is a desperate need for corporate donations and sponsors including aerospace manufacturers in Macomb County, whose workforce benefits from programs like STARBASE.

Among those hoping to rally support for the facility is Michigan state Senator Kevin Hertel, who toured STARBASE One along with a crew from CBS News.

“It’s an incredible program and it has provided increased opportunities for students in the region,” Hertel said. “I would call on the federal government to rethink their decision to cut this funding. This is the danger of making really broad cuts without considering the impact that it will have directly on our communities.”

After his tour of the facility Hertel admitted he was a tad jealous.

“I didn’t know about this program,” he said, of his younger self. “There’s no doubt it would’ve opened my eyes to other opportunities.”

Bernie LeMieux concurred. As a former principal of Grosse Pointe South High School he knows a valuable program when he sees it, or should we say, hears it.

“When I was an administrator and I heard laughter and cheering coming from a classroom, as you so often hear at STARBASE, I knew what was going on in that room amounted to a good learning experience for the students,” said the STARBASE board director.

For more information on how to help visit starbaseone.org