AFA Welcomes General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation as Newest STEM Program Supporter

ARLINGTON, Va., July 31, 2023 – The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) welcomes the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation as its newest sponsor for both of AFA’s youth STEM programs, CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers.

“We’re exceptionally happy to add the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation as a sponsor for both of our STEM programs,” said Stuart Pettis, Director of AFA STEM Programs. “Last year we had over 20,000 middle and high school students participate, and that reach can only happen thanks to the great generosity of sponsors like them.”

The $10,000 donation allows the Association to expand its reach to encourage STEM education among America’s youth.

About the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation

The General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation has been actively involved in improving K-12 STEM education since 1992 by providing outreach support to General Atomics employees, funding STEM non-profit organizations, and developing educational resources. The Foundation has provided over $1M in support to K-12 STEM non-profits and has catalyzed 1,000 K-12 STEM outreach activities by GA staff via the GA Scientists/Engineers Supporting Science/Engineering for Students (GASSSS) Program. For details, visit www.sci-ed-ga.org.

About CyberPatriot

CyberPatriot is the nation’s largest youth cyber education program and AFA’s flagship STEM program dedicated to strengthening cyber skills among American youth. In addition to the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition for high school and middle school students, the program features AFA CyberCamps, an Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative and Literature Series, a Tech Caregiver certification and community service opportunity, and CyberGenerations—a program aimed at equipping senior citizens with the skills needed to stay protected from cyber threats.

About StellarXplorers

AFA’s StellarXplorers Space STEM Program inspires high school and middle school students toward careers in space, aviation, and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future. The StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition provides specific training in solving orbit planning, satellite design, and launch vehicle planning with the help of system simulation software, Systems Tool Kit (STK). The program’s sponsors include the Air Force K-12 STEM Office, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, Nova Space, United Launch Alliance, BAE Systems, Privateer, Ansys Government Initiatives, and the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation.

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 113,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces.