Ever since Star Trek first aired in 1966, the world has been captivated by the lives of the crew of the USS Enterprise and the fantastic adventures they have. In 1974, STARFLEET International, a global Star Trek fan club, was started and has now garnered more than 4,500 members and over 200 chapters. They are now looking at starting a chapter in Topeka, preferably at Washburn.

To be an organization under STARFLEET International, there needs to be at least 10 members who pay dues, including a commanding officer. The commanding officer and first officer must be 21 or older and must pass STARFLEET Academy’s Officer Training School and Officer Command College, which are both free via email.

Membership can either be online or through mail. Membership includes a membership packet, the STARFLEET Communiqué, scholarships, discounts and more.

People also have the opportunity to take courses through STARFLEET Academy, which offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. Areas of study include alien studies, communications, history and government, liberal arts and military science.

STARFLEET International allows chapters to decide their own level of involvement. Other chapters have created web series and done community service.

For more information about STARFLEET International, please visit www.sfi.org. For more information about STARFLEET Academy, please visit www.acad.sfi.org.