Opening award

The Department of the Air Force Air National Guard awarded $560,000 to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety under the STARBASE Program (CFDA 12.020) on October 1, 2025, with an award date marking the beginning of performance through September 30, 2026.

STARBASE is a Congressionally directed, non-discretionary afterschool mentoring initiative that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities with school-based programming to raise interest and improve knowledge and skills in STEM among underserved youth. The program operates in partnership with local school districts and is designed to develop a highly educated and skilled American workforce capable of meeting Department of Defense advanced technological requirements.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety will execute this cooperative agreement through its Adjutant General working with the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for approval and implementation. Performance occurs in North Carolina. The recipient is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive plan that includes school district selection procedures, student enrollment targets, staffing, curriculum design, facilities allocation, identification of state public and private services to be provided, and detailed budgeting. All cooperative agreement records must be maintained for three years following closeout. The award is non-discretionary and represents assistance type Cooperative Agreement.