Civil Air Patrol is responsible for educating its members and the public on the important role aviation, space, cyber, and STEM play in America’s future.

The aerospace education program serves adults and youth in kindergarten through 12th grades, reaching more than 500,000 youth each year with hands-on aerospace/STEM lessons and materials. The program offers an engaging, standards-based curriculum designed to promote interest in STEM-related careers. This includes a STEM Kit Program, K-6 STEM Program, teacher orientations flights, and hundreds of engaging lessons in more than 40 curriculum products.

STEM Kits

More than 20 STEM Kits are available to our CAP units and to teachers who are CAP aerospace education members for use in instructing on a variety of age-appropriate topics like astronomy, hydraulics, robotics, navigation, renewable energy, electronics, drones, rocketry, flight simulation, and more. Approximately 80% of students who use the kits say they become more interested in aerospace, aviation, and related STEM careers.

Squadron aerospace education officers oversee the aerospace education portion of cadet and adult member programs. Aerospace education officers facilitate discussions about current events in aerospace, ensure cadet orientation flights are taking place, and work with the unit activities officer to plan activities for cadets and senior members. These activities vary widely and may include building model rockets, competing in Civil Air Patrol’s High-Altitude Balloon Challenge, and participating in online meetings with astronauts, military pilots, and scientists.

These programs and products are offered free to CAP’s aerospace education members, who teach in both formal and informal settings, including home-schooling. Schools, museums, libraries, and youth organizations can take advantage of this program.

Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE)

ACE is an aerospace-themed program for educators in grade K-6 who are CAP aerospace education members. This program provides engaging and meaningful cross-curricular aerospace-themed lessons that support STEM initiatives and enrich the school curricula. Additionally, many lessons promote good character and physical fitness, which are components of CAP's Cadet Program. Thus, the ACE program is a great introduction to CAP, especially for youth who may be interested in learning more about aviation and possibly becoming members of the cadet program for youth ages 12-18.   

Teacher Orientation Program Flights (TOP Flight)

One of the most exciting benefits of being a Civil Air Patrol aerospace education member is the opportunity to experience the thrill and science of flight in a CAP aircraft with an experienced CAP pilot at a local airport. 

This exhilarating program includes a preflight briefing and allows the teacher to take the controls if desired. If possible, the pilot can design the flight plan to fly over the school with students watching from the ground. The teacher or principal can speak to the students on the ground via cellphone to ground speaker. 

Taking videos and/or photos to share the experience with students or even livestreaming this flight will excite youth and generate greater interest in STEM subjects using the aviation theme. 

Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education

Aerospace Education Officer Resources

Aerospace Education is one of Civil Air Patrol’s congressionally mandated missions and serves as a cornerstone of cadet programs, senior member development, STEM education, and community outreach.

The Aerospace Education Mission

Aerospace Education (AE) supports both internal CAP training and external outreach efforts that promote aviation, aerospace, STEM, and cyber education throughout communities nationwide.

Aerospace Education Officers (AEOs) serve as commanders’ primary advisors and coordinators for accomplishing the AE mission at every organizational level within Civil Air Patrol.

CAP’s Aerospace Education mission encourages and aids citizens of the United States in contributing their efforts, services, and resources toward developing aviation, maintaining air supremacy, and promoting aerospace and cyberspace education.

AEO Responsibilities

Role of the Aerospace Education Officer

Aerospace Education Officers coordinate AE training, educational programs, STEM activities, and aerospace outreach efforts within their units and communities.

Coordinate AE Training

Manage aerospace education instruction for cadets and senior members in accordance with CAP regulations and training requirements.

Support Cadet Programs

Assist cadet programs through aerospace instruction, STEM activities, orientation flights, and AE curriculum integration.

Community Outreach

Work with schools, educators, museums, and youth organizations to promote aerospace and STEM education within the local community.

Coordinate with Leadership

Work closely with commanders, Deputy Commanders for Cadets, and Deputy Commanders for Seniors to accomplish the AE mission.

AE Regulations, Training & Guidance

CAP Publications Library

Aerospace Education Officers should regularly review CAP regulations, manuals, pamphlets, standards, and forms related to aerospace education and cadet programs.

Open Publications Library

Important publications include CAPR 50-1, CAPR 20-1, CAPR 30-1, CAPR 60-1, AE curriculum guides, and STEM program guidance.

NHQ Aerospace Education Resources

NHQ Aerospace Education

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AEO Resources

Open Resources

Aerospace Education Officers should regularly review eServices AE resources, Regional Plans of Action, and reporting requirements.

Cadet Programs Aerospace Education Element

Aerospace Education is one of the five required elements of the Cadet Program and includes STEM and cyber education components.

The curriculum follows a rotating two-year cycle using:

• Aerospace Dimensions for Phase I and II cadets
• Aerospace: Journey of Flight for Phase III and IV cadets

Senior cadets are encouraged to assist in AE instruction, leadership, and mentorship opportunities for junior cadets.

Cadet Programs AE Position Description

Aerospace Curriculum Guides

Aerospace Dimensions

Leader guides and curriculum resources for Phase I and II cadets.

Journey of Flight

Advanced AE curriculum for Phase III and IV cadets.

Cadet Orientation Flight Program

Cadet Flying Program

Cadet orientation flights introduce cadets to aviation and provide firsthand aerospace education experiences through CAP aircraft.

Learn About Orientation Flights

STEM Kits & Cyber Programs

STEM Kits

View STEM Kits

Cyber Program

Explore Cyber Education

STEM Kit applications are suspended annually from June 1 through August 31 while NHQ updates and evaluates the program.

Units should complete at least one STEM Kit annually to support cadet program goals and Quality Cadet Unit Award eligibility.

STEM Kit Program Process

Sample Squadron Training Plans

CAP provides sample two-year squadron training plans integrating Aerospace Dimensions, Aerospace Excellence, STEM activities, and advanced rocketry programs.

Squadron Training Plans

Access example aerospace education schedules and long-range planning resources for cadet squadrons.

View Training Plans

Aerospace Education Leadership

Support the AE Mission

Aerospace Education Officers play a critical role in inspiring future aviators, engineers, scientists, and leaders through aviation and STEM education opportunities across Civil Air Patrol.