About STARBASETexas STARBASE Austin

STARBASE Austin is a Department of Defense STEM program hosted by the Texas Military Department at Camp Mabry

Our day program challenges 5th-grade students to observe STEM applications on Camp Mabry by completing “hands-on, mind-on” activities over 25 hours of instruction.

The afterschool program and summer camps build upon the foundation of our 5th-grade program by providing STEM mentoring at students’ home middle schools at no more than a 4:1 student: mentor ratio. 

Both programs encourage underserved, underestimated, and underappreciated populations to pursue STEM careers.

 

See our recent Newsletter here:

https://indd.adobe.com/view/84509379-b9ca-4969-a8d1-34c7cc3ea332

 

 


STARBASE Austin Informational Flyer
STARBASE Austin Informational Flyer

Texas STARBASE Austin provides students in grade 5 a first-hand journey into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, math, aviation, and aerospace during the school day. The program will be conducted at Camp Mabry in a varied and exciting environment, giving students a new perception of the STEM sciences. The curriculum consists of rigorous hands-on minds-on activities, interactive investigations, experiments, simulations, and on-site tours demonstrating use of STEM in the workplace. Classroom instruction includes Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s Principle, navigation and mapping, flight simulation, investigations of nanotechnology and nanoengineered products, atmospheric properties, rocketry, engineering design process, computer assisted design (CAD), and 3 dimension manufacturing. Students explore STEM careers, processes for goal setting and teamwork skills, and the importance of staying in school and becoming a life-long learner. Certified educators teach the curriculum with assistance from Guard and community volunteers with technical and content expertise. All curriculum content and student activities are correlated to state and national science, technology, and math standards.

We have the capability to accommodate 2 academies of 32 students per Cohort simultaneously (64 students).  The instruction is typically delivered in five 5 hour blocks of instruction on one day of the week for 5 consecutive weeks. Our program is funded by the DoD & charitable donations, and is available at no cost to districts in our service area. We partner with a school district via memorandum of understanding (MOU) which outlines the service we provide as well as the requirements of the served district/school for participation.

 

STARBASE 2.0

This program combines STEM activities with a relationship-rich, school-based after school environment to provide the missing link for at-risk youth making the transition from elementary to middle and on to high school. It extends the positive impact of STARBASE through an afterschool STEM mentoring approach which solidifies students’ attachment to and engagement with school. STARBASE 2.0 targets sixth to eighth graders and meet at a lateral middle school. Clubs meet a minimum of four hours per month at regularly scheduled times. These groups consist of one STEM mentor and 3-4 students working together.

 

The STARBASE 2.0 curriculum will provide the compass for navigating toward a fulfilling club experience for individuals and the group. Projects may be in any of the STARBASE 2.0 curriculum areas (physics, chemistry, sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics operations and applications). They can include competitions, global explorations (through use of the internet), and/or partnerships with other STEM-related organizations (e.g. Computer Aided Design/PTC Creo, TCEA, Science Olympiad, etc.)

 

DoD STARBASE
See what STARBASE is accomplishing across the United States: DoD STARBASE
The vision of DoD STARBASE is to raise the interest and improve the knowledge and skills of at-risk youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) providing for a highly educated and skilled American workforce that can meet the advanced technological requirements of the Department of Defense.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Texas STARBASE, the first program of its kind in Texas, has earned recognition at both local and national levels. It was the recipient of the U. S. Coast Guard Commandant’s National Partnership in Education Award and second place national winner as the National Guard Adjutant General’s Minuteman Mike Youth Program Award. NASA’s International Space Station Team and school district auditors have also recognized Texas STARBASE as a highly effective educational outreach program committed to educational excellence and the personal development of youth. Texas STARBASE has accepted invitations and made presentations at The NORAD Commander’s Conference Spouse Program, The National Interagency Counterdrug Institute, The National Guard Association of Texas Conference, The Texas Federal Women’s Program Annual Meeting, and The Texas Business and Education Conference.

GOALS
Texas STARBASE actively involves students in hands-on minds-on, real world experiences in an unconventional instructional setting to:

  • Raise student interest and increase student knowledge in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
  • Demonstrate the relevancy and use of science, technology, math, and engineering in today’s workplace and encourage students to pursue these fields as their life’s work.
  • Teach problem solving and goal setting skills that build confidence and foster success in the STEM content fields.
  • Develop teamwork skills and provide real world activities to practice these skills.
  • Stress the importance of staying in school and life-long learning.
  • Provide teachers with classroom demonstrations of practical activities to maintain students' interest in the STEM fields

Patrick Yonnone, aka “Mulligan”
Program Director

Mr. Yonnone holds a Bachelor of Science degree from United States Military Academy at West Point where he was commissioned as an Infantry Lieutenant in 1999. He was sponsored by Austin ISD to earn his teaching certificate through Region 13’s Austin Teacher Academy program and holds the following certifications: ESL Generalist(EC-8), Technology Education(6-12), Technology Applications(EC-12), Mathematics(8-12), and Physical Science/Mathematics/Engineering. Mr. Yonnone also holds his Masters of Arts in STEM Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Yonnone joined the STARBASE team in August 2014.

 

 

 

 


Jessica Davis, aka “Hedy”
Deputy Director/Instructor
 
Jessica Davis, the deputy director of STARBASE Austin, has been in education for over 9 years. After graduating from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, she discovered her passion for teaching and education. She pursued a Master of Education degree through Texas State's Teaching Residency Program and became certified in the fields Science (Grades 4-8), Life Science (Grades 7-12), Special Education (Grades 4-12) and English as a Second Language (Grades 4-12). Mrs. Davis joined the STARBASE team in January 2022. She enjoys spending her spare time cooking, gardening, and playing video games 

Ms. Daniela Rimer, aka "Fuerza"

Bilingual Instructor

Daniela Rimer, the bilingual instructor at STARBASE Austin, has been in education for over 7 years. After graduating with a degree in Bioengineering from Rice University, through her involvement with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, she found her passion for mentoring and teaching underserved minority high school students about the excitement and intrigue of a future career in engineering. Daniela then moved to Italy to experience living and teaching English abroad. With that combination of interest, when moving back to the States, she completed an alternative certification program to become a bilingual elementary teacher. Daniela has previously taught Kinder, second and fifth grade before joining the STARBASE team in April 2021. She enjoys spending time with her Venezuelan family, dancing Zumba and experimenting with new ingredients in the kitchen. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University virtually and hopes to graduate in the near future.  

 

 



Lead Program Instructor

New appointment coming soon

 


Mr. Joe R. Rosas, aka "GI Joe"

Office Manager

Mr. Rosas is a Retired Staff Sergeant for the U.S. Army. He enlisted into the Active Army in September 1996, where he attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Benning, GA. Mr. Rosas has over 20 years of experience in teaching and leading soldiers. He was chosen from Department of the Army as top 1% to attend the Drill Sergeant Academy. Prior to being selected to teach U.S. Army recruits; he had a total of 6 combat tours to Iraq & Afghanistan. Mr. Rosas is highly decorated soldier who represents the Army values of selfless service, honor, and integrity. Mr. Rosas joined the STARBASE team in September 2021. 

 

 

 

 

 


CALL US: 512-782-3454


VISIT US
Texas STARBASE Austin is located in Building 31 at Camp Mabry, Austin, TX.

HOURS OF OPERATION
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

ADDRESS
Camp Mabry 
2200 West 35th Street, Building 31
Austin, TX 78763

 


STAFF

Patrick Yonnone
Program Director
patrick@starbaseaustin.org
Phone: 512-782-3469

Daniela Rimer
Program Instructor
daniela@starbaseaustin.org
Phone: 512-782-3471

Denise Bell
STARBASE 2.0 Advanced Program Outreach Coordinator
denise@starbaseaustin.org
Phone: 512-782-3457

Jessica Davis
Program Deputy Director/Instructor
jessica@starbaseaustin.org
Phone: 512-782-3454


 



Joe Rosas
Office Manager
joe@starbaseaustin.org
Phone: 512-782-3454

 

EMPLOYMENT
For employment opportunities with STARBASE Austin, please visit: Employment Opportunities


BOARD MEMBERS
501(c3) Board of Directors purpose is to support Texas STARBASE Inc.

Michael Blalock 
William Petitt

John Jackson
Larry Werbiski
Randy Davis 
Dick Seltzer

 

Get Involved!

STARBASE Austin Volunteer

STARBASE Austin 2.0 Mentor Application
STARBASE Austin Map and Directions
STARBASE Austin Forms


STARBASE Austin Donate
For information about donating to STARBASE Austin, please contact us at 512-713-3454 or 
email contactus@starbaseaustin.org.


STARBASE Austin Quotes!

“Hands down, STARBASE is one of the best youth programs out there. What a great way to influence our next generations of leaders in math, science and technology.  My daughter shows tremendous interest in such areas, thus STARBASE was the icing on the cake.  She loved it!
Many thanks to all the staff at Texas STARBASE Austin, for making this program 
standout and shine.  Excellent work!”
Stuart T Kidd SFC, NGTX

 “Such a great opportunity for kids who thrive with hands on activities.  Focusing on state mandated knowledge and skill was a super plus.  What a fun way to get a head start on science and technology for next year.”
– Olivia Lara

On the way home he couldn’t stay quiet.  He would tell me everything that happened that day.  He loved it!  When I visited for lunch I noticed that the kids were engaged and enthusiastic.  I could tell the program was successful!  He asked if he could do it next summer.  It was fantastic!  
Norberto Flores II LTC USARMY

What Students are Saying

“STARBASE taught me that setting goals is an accomplishment that you can finish and never give up.”
-Bella, Hillcrest Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“STARBASE taught me that setting goals is important because you know that you tried hard, even if you failed.”
Superman, Hillcrest Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“What I learned about myself through STARBASE was that I like learning at school, and having fun while learning is OK.”
Banana, Popham Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“My favorite memory of STARBASE is the teachers Nimbus, Java and Saturn.”
Money, Popham Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“At STARBASE, I learned that Teamwork is important because if we didn’t have teamwork, we would not have completed the missions.”
Groot, Popham Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“What I learned at STARBASE will help me in school because I will understand more of the things in the STAAR test.”
Renee, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“My thoughts about today’s mission: I loved today because I left like a real problem solver and I loved Eggbert because I like to design things.”
Crystal, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“What I learned about engineering… Engineering is not just building things, it is about putting thought into what we build.”
Pooh Bear, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“Day 1- Thoughts about today’s mission: I wish school was like this because it was really fun and creative.”
Julissa, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“STARBASE taught me that setting goals is a good way to motivate me.”
Silver Tails, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, Del Valle Elementary

“At STARBASE, I learned that Teamwork is important because people can encourage you.”
Nicol Bolas, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, Del Valle Elementary

“The things I learned at STARBASE helped me better understand the rules about inercia, gravity and acceleration.”
Zero, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, Del Valle Elementary

What Parents are Saying

“Hands down, STARBASE is one of the best youth programs out there. What a great way to influence our next generations of leaders in math, science and technology.  My daughter shows tremendous interest in such areas, thus STARBASE was the icing on the cake.  She loved it!
Many thanks to all the staff at Texas STARBASE Austin, for making this program 
standout and shine.  Excellent work!”
Stuart T Kidd SFC, NGTX

 “Such a great opportunity for kids who thrive with hands on activities.  Focusing on state mandated knowledge and skill was a super plus.  What a fun way to get a head start on science and technology for next year.”
– Olivia Lara

On the way home he couldn’t stay quiet.  He would tell me everything that happened that day.  He loved it!  When I visited for lunch I noticed that the kids were engaged and enthusiastic.  I could tell the program was successful!  He asked if he could do it next summer.  It was fantastic!  
Norberto Flores II LTC USARMY 

“STARBASE taught me that setting goals is an accomplishment that you can finish and never give up.”
-Bella, Hillcrest Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“STARBASE taught me that setting goals is important because you know that you tried hard, even if you failed.”
Superman, Hillcrest Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“What I learned about myself through STARBASE was that I like learning at school, and having fun while learning is OK.”
Banana, Popham Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“My favorite memory of STARBASE is the teachers Nimbus, Java and Saturn.”
Money, Popham Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“At STARBASE, I learned that Teamwork is important because if we didn’t have teamwork, we would not have completed the missions.”
Groot, Popham Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“What I learned at STARBASE will help me in school because I will understand more of the things in the STAAR test.”
Renee, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“My thoughts about today’s mission: I loved today because I left like a real problem solver and I loved Eggbert because I like to design things.”
Crystal, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“What I learned about engineering… Engineering is not just building things, it is about putting thought into what we build.”
Pooh Bear, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“Day 1- Thoughts about today’s mission: I wish school was like this because it was really fun and creative.”
Julissa, Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD

“STARBASE taught me that setting goals is a good way to motivate me.”
Silver Tails, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, Del Valle Elementary

“At STARBASE, I learned that Teamwork is important because people can encourage you.”
Nicol Bolas, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, Del Valle Elementary

“The things I learned at STARBASE helped me better understand the rules about inercia, gravity and acceleration.”
Zero, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, Del Valle Elementary

“STARBASE supports the enthusiasm I would love to see in my students.  It makes them want to learn more and to show-off their scientific understanding.  Students can express scientific concepts in a more enthusiastic way after this experience.  It makes all areas of STEM worthy for the students.”
– Candace Fox, Govalle Elementary

“It gave students, especially girls, a better understanding of what kind of jobs are out in the community that use math.  It is an excellent program and I would recommend it to the school board and expose more teachers to it.”
– Maria D. Guerra, Norman Elementary

“STARBASE did a great job of reinforcing the TEKS we cover in class and providing students with a look ahead at the possibilities that await them in middle school and high school.”
– Jack Jeansonne, Odom Elementary

“I will refer back to these activities, share the activities and information with other teachers, and use STARBASE students as “leaders” to teach other students.”
– Stephanie Noel, Gilbert Elementary

What Teachers are Saying

“STARBASE supports the enthusiasm I would love to see in my students.  It makes them want to learn more and to show-off their scientific understanding.  Students can express scientific concepts in a more enthusiastic way after this experience.  It makes all areas of STEM worthy for the students.”
– Candace Fox, Govalle Elementary

“It gave students, especially girls, a better understanding of what kind of jobs are out in the community that use math.  It is an excellent program and I would recommend it to the school board and expose more teachers to it.”
– Maria D. Guerra, Norman Elementary

“STARBASE did a great job of reinforcing the TEKS we cover in class and providing students with a look ahead at the possibilities that await them in middle school and high school.”
– Jack Jeansonne, Odom Elementary

“I will refer back to these activities, share the activities and information with other teachers, and use STARBASE students as “leaders” to teach other students.”
– Stephanie Noel, Gilbert Elementary