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Group 224 Aerospace Education Officer: |
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AEROSPACE EDUCATION UPDATES
This is the homepage for the Group's Aerospace Education programs for Senior members and Cadets
Civil Air Patrol's (CAP) internal Aerospace Education program has two parts, one for cadets and and one for senior members.
Cadets have a mandatory aerospace education program. They must learn about aerospace education to progress in Civil Air Patrol. Cadets must pass formal tests to progress in the achievement levels and in the awards system. Cadets are presented with aerospace education opportunities as part of squadron meetings, encampments and field trips and through guest speakers, model building and flying.
Senior members have an elective aerospace education program. Senior members may participate in the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM) and earn the Charles E. ‘Chuck' Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award.
Possibly the most significant annual event in our education program is the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE): NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference of its kind in the nation. It is also one of Civil Air Patrol’s major contributions to America’s aerospace education community. CAP uses this forum to promote science, math and technology in today’s classrooms. Presented annually since 1968, NCASE brings together educators from around the nation to learn from a variety of gifted speakers and motivational teachers. Aerospace-oriented hands-on activities for all grade levels are offered in a variety of break-out sessions. Teachers share new experiences and discover learning tools that will capture the imagination of their students. Teachers learn how the wonders of aviation and space can be a way to teach ordinary subjects in an extraordinary way. Several awards are presented during the conference including the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award, the National Aeronautic Association’s Frank G. Brewer Trophy, National Coalition on Aviation Education Leadership Award, and the National Congress Crown Circle for Aerospace Education Leadership.