The STARBASE program that partners with the Nevada National Guard is dealing with ongoing funding issues, but it will still be able to operate until its fiscal year ends in September.
The Nevada Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation was able to help with some temporary funding, for both the Reno and Henderson locations.
However, whatever happens after September, is still up in the air.
Curiosity, learning and grins from ear to ear were had by students in Thursday's class.
Fifth graders from Maxwell Elementary School are one of the Title 1 schools in the STARBASE program.
Title 1 schools include students from low-income families.
STARBASE provides these schools in Washoe County a STEM education, outside of the regular classroom.
Each school takes a field trip to STARBASE once a week for five weeks.
"So, a student on day one may have said I'm not sure what this is about or what I'm going to, but by day five we may have some tears," said Tiffany Young, Program Director, High Sierra STARBASE.
Some of the students say it's been a lot of fun.
"Yeah, after the first time here, when I'm older I might want to be an engineer because it's really cool," said Milo Stoner, fifth grade student, Maxwell Elementary School.
"Because in school we like just write with a pencil and then over here we get to do stuff with our actual hands," said Aislinn Acosta, fifth grade student, Maxwell Elementary School.
However, things could soon be coming to an end for the program.
"We are in a continuing resolution so we have lost funding and we have some challenges with those funding gaps," Young said.
STARBASE requested $60 million and were only granted $20 million back in December, resulting in more than 50 programs nationwide having to shut down.
However, leaders in the silver state were able to help keep the ship afloat.
"Where we were potentially going to have our doors closed, and through our state and our governor and our state offices we were able to get some funding," Young said.
600 Nevada students will now be able to take the program due to the funding from the state.
However, for the future next Friday will be the ultimate decider.
That's when Congressional leaders are set to decide if it will be fully funded at the $60 million.
"This kind of stuff does help change lives," said Captain Emerson Marcus, Public Affairs Officer, Nevada National Guard. "So, as the government looks to downsize right now, we want to make sure we are not cutting important programs like STARBASE across the country."
In the event, that funding gap is not closed, STARBASE will look to other avenues at the state level or from nonprofit organizations.
To keep the Reno one open, they need about $630,000 a year.
