Civil Air Patrol is a civilian axillary of the US Air Force.  One of the organization’s missions is aerospace education/STEM education.  To further this goal, educators (defined as anyone who directly supports children learning) can join CAP as Aerospace Educators for a one-time $35 fee (renewal each year is free) and then order any of 15 different STEM kits.  Estimated value of each kit is $20 - $400, and when finished using the kit, the educator may keep the kit, complete a short evaluation, and order another kit. Aerospace Educators receive add benefits - including access to a collection of STEM education materials.

Civil Air Patrol does have local units with adults and teens (called cadets) participating.  As an Aerospace Educator you are not expected to be involved in anything more than helping to promote STEM education.  However, you are more than welcome to attend a unit meeting.

The Director for Aerospace Education for Michigan is Major Mike Seiloff  ([email protected]; (616) 430-4533).  He is quick to answer your questions and provide support.  He is willing to work with educators who are CAP AEMs needing STEM Project grant funding for their school or classroom to help them find funding and to refine their grant applications.

Click here to learn more about becoming a CAP Aerospace Education Member.   

Additional information:

• Available STEM Kits  

• Frequently Asked Questions

• AE Curriculum Materials Listing

• Aerospace Education Member (AEM) Flier (includes info about CAP's FREE STEM Kit Program!)

• AEM Paper Application (paper application - if you have any problems with the online application of if you are paying by check)