STARBASE Ribbon Cutting

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Launching Tomorrow’s Innovators: New STARBASE Facility Opens in Eastern New Mexico

Inside the new STARBASE facility, multiple collaborators stand around to cut the ribbon on the new facility.

Overview

On June 11, 2026, the 27th Special Operations Wing (The "Steadfast Line") at Cannon Air Force Base and Clovis Community College celebrated the official opening of Eastern New Mexico's new Department of War STARBASE facility. This premier academy bridges military innovation with higher education to provide hands-on, high-tech learning resources for area youth.

Key Program Details

  • Target Audience: The academy will serve approximately 1,000 fifth-grade students annually.

  • Regional Reach: Students will be drawn from eight local school districts across Eastern New Mexico.

  • Launch Timeline: Following the June ribbon-cutting, the facility will officially welcome its inaugural class of students in the Fall of 2026.

  • Leadership: The academy is under the leadership of STARBASE Director Dana Cooper.

The Curriculum & Student Experience

The STARBASE academy is designed to expose students to real-world applications of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through high-energy, inquiry-based modules:

  • Hands-On Technology: Students will dive into immersive lessons covering robotics, physics, engineering design, and computer-aided design (CAD).

  • Professional Mentorship: Kids will have the unique opportunity to interact directly with military and civilian professionals, seeing how tech skills translate into careers.

  • Real-World Application: The curriculum includes guided tours of base facilities, showcasing how cutting-edge science and math are used daily on an active military installation.

Community Collaboration

This state-of-the-art educational hub is made possible through strong community alignment, featuring deep collaboration between CAFB leadership, Clovis Community College administration, and local stakeholders—including a cornerstone donation to the facility from Plateau Telecommunications.

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