NGAUS has consistently had to conduct last minute "saves" to the STARBASE program each and every year under the threat of closure. This has eroded the confidence of teachers and administrators within the program. All four congressional committees reinstated FY 2015 funding for the STARBASE program based upon strong support by NGAUS.

- Despite the Congressional action taken in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act and the FY 2015 Defense Appropriations Act, the FY 2016 President's Budget Request continues to exclude funding for the DoD STARBASE Program to support the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Federal-wide Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Reorganization Initiative. This action ignores over 22 years of program success that has positively impacted our students nationwide.
- The OMB action continues the program's funding uncertainty; however, the local communities continue to support and send their students to attend the 59 STARBASE programs located on Active, Guard and Reserve installations/facilities in 30 states and Puerto Rico. Despite the funding issues, DoD currently has 25 sites on a waiting list for a STARBASE and in 2014, DoD reached out and provided STEM engagement opportunities for approximately 45,000 students in 900 school districts while employing 258 personnel.
- STARBASE creates an unequaled bridge between the U.S. Military and STEM education with local school students that is achieved through strong civilian/military leadership involvement, state-of-the-art curriculum and technology, nationwide program standardization, a complete understanding of military culture, and assured access to military installations.
- Plan and budget STARBASE through the FYDP "now" and give it the support the program and its teachers deserve as DOD's #1 STEM educational program nationwide.STARBASE has been ad hoc funded for almost 24 years on a year by year, last minute basis vi