AFA and Civil Air Patrol: 30 Years of Building the STEM Pipeline

In 2026, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) mark three decades of partnership dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for America’s youth. United by shared missions and complementary organizational structures, AFA and CAP work side by side to inspire curiosity, develop leadership, and prepare the next generation for careers critical to the nation’s air, space, and cyber forces.

From classroom-based learning to national-level competitions, AFA’s sustained support enables CAP to deliver innovative, hands-on STEM experiences to cadets and students across the country—often in communities that otherwise lack access to advanced aerospace and technology programs.

Building Cyber and Space Expertise

CAP has been an active participant in AFA’s CyberPatriot program since its inception, competing in both the All Services and Middle School divisions. Over time, CyberPatriot has become a foundational element of CAP’s cadet cyber education efforts. Squadrons now leverage AFA CyberPatriot training materials to collaborate on large-scale summer cyber camps, providing cadets with real-world exposure to cybersecurity principles and career pathways.

Similarly, CAP squadrons have embraced AFA’s StellarXplorers space systems competition, building on decades of engagement with Systems Toolkit educational resources. CAP cadet teams have earned national championship titles in both CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers—achievements that reflect the rigor of the programs and the dedication of the cadets. In recognition of their value, CAP has designated both competitions as eligible external programs toward earning the CAP Quality Cadet Unit Award.

Sustained Support Through AFA Grants

Since 1986, AFA has provided annual grants to CAP units to help launch and sustain high-quality aerospace and STEM programs. These grants allow squadrons to go “above and beyond” standard programming, offering unique educational experiences that engage cadets and extend into local communities. For many units, AFA support is the difference between an idea and a fully realized STEM initiative.

Two national CAP programs consistently supported by AFA grants now serve more than 100,000 students annually.

Aerospace Connections in Education

CAP’s Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program, launched in 2007, has reached more than 875,000 students nationwide—a figure expected to exceed 900,000 by March and surpass one million participants next year. ACE delivers aerospace-themed, standards-based STEM instruction through more than 150 interactive online lessons, integrating academics, character development, and physical fitness while promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

More than 500 classrooms participate annually, many supported through the ACE Plus program, which pairs schools with CAP squadrons and AFA chapters. AFA grants fund the annual national ACE Liftoff event as well as national awards recognizing outstanding schools, teachers, coordinators, and students.

The 2025–2026 National ACE Liftoff, held in Tampa, Florida, highlighted this partnership. Members of AFA’s Twining Chapter participated in the event and contributed to providing ACE shirts for students, while AFA Vice Chair for Education Gary Copsey attended in support of the program’s national impact.

Reaching the Edge of Space

Another hallmark of AFA–CAP collaboration is the National CAP High-Altitude Balloon Challenge for Cadets, a signature experiential STEM program. Named in honor of retired Air Force Col. Joe Kittinger—an AFA member, test pilot, and aeromedical specialist—the challenge invites cadet teams to design and launch scientific experiments to the edge of the stratosphere.

During the most recent challenge, three high-altitude weather balloons carried nearly 200 experiments developed by cadets from 105 squadrons across 42 wings. More than 1,000 cadets participated nationwide. Teams analyzed flight data and experiment results while competing for the Kittinger Cup and a $5,000 grand prize donated by the Kittinger family, with additional AFA grants awarded to runner-up teams to further expand space-science programming.

The balloon launch serves as the centerpiece of CAP’s national cadet STEM challenge, bringing together cadets, adult members, CAP National Headquarters staff, AFA members, and mission partners delivering a full spectrum of aerospace education paired with real-world CAP mission experience.

A Partnership Built on Reciprocity

The AFA–CAP partnership is strengthened by a spirit of reciprocity that extends support directly to educators in local communities. In return for AFA’s longstanding investment in CAP STEM initiatives, CAP provides complimentary Aerospace Education memberships to AFA Chapter Teachers of the Year and to teachers supported by local AFA chapters.

This no-cost educator membership equips K–12 classroom teachers with access to free STEM Kits, aerospace education programs, and CAP-piloted orientation flights in powered aircraft. These hands-on experiences immerse educators in real-world aerospace applications, deepening their understanding of STEM concepts and sparking greater interest in aerospace-related subjects and careers to share with their students.

By empowering teachers with experiential learning and classroom-ready resources, CAP helps extend the impact of AFA’s mission far beyond competitions and events—multiplying its reach through thousands of students inspired by educators who have experienced aerospace firsthand.

Investing in the Future

Through biannual $350 unit grants and sustained support of national-level STEM initiatives, AFA’s partnership with CAP now reaches more than 100,000 young people each year. Together, the two organizations continue to strengthen the nation’s STEM pipeline—ensuring that future Airmen, Guardians, and aerospace leaders are inspired, prepared, and ready to serve.