Courtesy Photo Students work on a science project at the STARBASE Alpena facility.

ALPENA — The Alpena STARBASE site recently received local gap funding from the Economic Generator Network (EGN) to continue operations and keep its doors open, according to a Thursday press release from EGN Representative Jackie Krawczak.

Alpena is one of the 90 STARBASE locations that announced closure earlier this month due to a lack of funding.

The EGN is a non-profit organization that focuses on continually improving the economic vitality of Northeast Michigan Citizens by eliminating barriers to economic growth in the region and capitalizing on its unique competencies.

The economic generator sees the value STARBASE has on a region rich in and reliant on diverse careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other STEM fields, the release said. EGN believes in the importance of STEM careers and the impact they can have on a community’s economic success. It also believes it is a community’s responsibility to prepare its youth to become leaders in the future.

Supporting efforts that equip youth in a way that leads to economic growth and greater success of the community is a slam dunk from the EGN perspective. STARBASE Alpena is viewed as a critical piece to preparing and equipping for the future.

When STARBASE closed its doors, EGN knew it was time to act and decided to contribute an initial $33,750 to the Alpena site to reopen its doors immediately. In addition, EGN will contribute up to another $67,500 in matching funds to the Alpena program if community contributions collectively raise $67,500.

This money will allow STARBASE to continue operations for several months and give the STARBASE board and staff time to develop a long-term sustainable solution.

Donations can be made through the STARBASE Alpena website, starbasealpena.org, or by mailing a check directly to the STARBASE program at 5884 A Street, Bldg. 4, Alpena, MI 49707. Please make checks payable to “STARBASE, Inc.” If your donation is intended specifically for the Alpena program, be sure to write “Alpena” in the memo line.

For over 30 years, the STARBASE program has given thousands of students nationwide valuable competencies through hands-on learning. Through insight into various STEM careers students see potential futures they may never have thought possible before STARBASE.

One of the critical components to the success of STARBASE is its hands-on, minds-on approach to exploring STEM fields. During this pivotal time in the students’ lives, they start to discover and develop a path to their careers of interest, and STARBASE’s approach provides a unique experience not otherwise available in Northeast Michigan.

Steve Tezak, Alpena STARBASE site director, expressed gratitude to EGN for its contribution.

“On behalf of STARBASE Alpena, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to EGN for their generous donation,” Tezak said. “Their support plays an important role in helping us inspire and educate the next generation of innovators and leaders in Northeast Michigan. Community support like EGN’s allows us to provide hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning experiences that empower area students and helps shape their futures. We deeply appreciate all community partners who have donated and want to thank anyone who will help us make a difference.”

Alpena is one of three STARBASE sites in Michigan and one of more than 90 in the country.

More information about EGN can be found at economicgenerator.org. More information about STARBASE can be found at starbasealpena.org.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.