Teaching Ordinary Subjects in Extraordinary Ways

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) promotes and supports aerospace education, both for its own members and the general public. CAP educational programs help prepare American citizens to meet the challenges of a sophisticated aerospace society and understand its related issues.

"CAP...a liaison between the planners of our air strength and our pilots and navigators of tomorrow...We must pass on our air experience -- not only in the Air Forces, but in every section of the country."

General Carl Spaatz
Former Chairman, CAP National Board

CAP offers national standards-based educational products, including a secondary textbook, Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, and the middle-school-level Aerospace Dimensions. Teachers can get free classroom materials and lesson plans from CAP by joining CAP’s Aerospace Education Membership program.

CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is most suited to perform this mission of Aerospace Education. Our efforts focus on two different audiences - internal CAP members and the general public. The internal programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. A rigorous educational program is tied to promotions at every level in the CAP organization.

Aerospace educators working out of CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB, AL, provide materials that are current and reflect the highest standards of educational excellence. The congressional charter also tasked CAP to stimulate public interest in aerospace issues. These external programs are primarily conducted through our nation's education systems.

Each year, CAP sponsors nearly 200 workshops in colleges and universities across the nation which reaches more than 5,000 educators. These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace technology. Textbooks, learning tools, and visual aids geared to stimulate interest in aerospace matters are also provided for teachers to use in their classrooms. Started in 1951, these workshops have reached hundreds of thousands of young people.

Take advantage of the programs and resources Civil Air Patrol has to offer and start adding excitement to your classroom today! Contact one of our Aerospace Education Officers and discover how aerospace education can make a difference in the lives of young people.