[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 87 (Friday, May 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STARBASE PROGRAM

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                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 8, 2020

  Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce legislation to include 
the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa in the Department of 
Defense STARBASE Program.
  STARBASE is a grant program aimed at improving math and science 
skills through partnerships between military installations and schools 
with high proportions of economically and educationally disadvantaged 
students. STARBASE students participate in hands-on activities and 
real-world applications of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math 
(STEM) led by military personnel in these career fields. The program 
primarily focuses on fifth graders including those historically 
underrepresented in STEM fields to attract and prepare them at an early 
age to pursue and succeed in related coursework and careers. STARBASE 
2.0 focuses on middle school students in an after-school, mentor 
program format.
  Such a beneficial educational experience should be available to all 
students in our country including the Northern Mariana Islands and 
American Samoa. The law establishing the STARBASE program currently 
defines ``state'' to include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands, and Guam. My legislation would ensure all U.S. 
territories are included in this definition.
  The gentlewoman from American Samoa, Mrs. Radewagen, is an original 
cosponsor of the bill.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

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