Allies for Cherry Point has announced the launch of STARBASE Cherry Point, an exciting new Department of Defense (DoD) educational program that will bring hands-on STEM experiences to fifth-grade students across eastern North Carolina. Craven Community College (Craven CC) will provide staffing support for the project, which will be located aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in Havelock.
The STARBASE program offers students an immersive, “hands-on, minds-on” approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, and Mathematics (STEAM). Over the course of 25 instructional hours, participants engage in experiments, design challenges, and demonstrations that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students also interact with military personnel, exploring how STEAM skills are applied in aviation, engineering, and defense careers.
Led nationally by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, STARBASE is designed to inspire curiosity and build confidence in young learners. Its mission is to expose students to cutting-edge technology, positive role models, and collaborative problem-solving experiences that align with national education standards.
The new STARBASE Cherry Point will be the first STARBASE program in the country to operate aboard a Marine Corps installation, a distinction that highlights the region’s long-standing commitment to education, innovation, and military-community collaboration. The program is expected to serve students from Craven, Jones, and Pamlico County Schools, providing an unforgettable learning experience in one of the most dynamic aviation environments in the nation.
While the STARBASE program and employee salaries are federally funded by the DOD, Craven CC will manage human resource and staffing needs, including positions for a Program Instructor and Office Manager, both located on base at MCAS Cherry Point. These roles will support day-to-day operations and ensure the program’s success by facilitating instruction, coordinating logistics, and fostering engagement between educators, students, and military personnel.
MCAS Cherry Point, with its rich aviation history and world-class facilities, provides the perfect setting for the program. As home to Fleet Readiness Center East (FRC East), the base is a cornerstone of innovation and technical excellence—making it an inspiring backdrop for students exploring STEAM concepts for the first time.
Through the collaboration of Allies for Cherry Point, MCAS Cherry Point, and Craven CC, STARBASE Cherry Point will help spark students’ curiosity and build pathways toward future careers in aviation, engineering, and other high-demand fields—helping ensure that Eastern North Carolina continues to thrive as a center for technological advancement and education.
For more information about employment opportunities with STARBASE Cherry Point, visit Craven CC's employment page.