CAP Aerospace Education Launches 'Adopt-a-Classroom' Program

Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education program is focusing even more closely on the nation's classroom with a new Adopt-a-Classroom campaign designed to connect squadrons with local  educators to help promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and careers for their students.

Squadrons throughout CAP are being asked to adopt a sixth-grade public or private classroom teacher, preferably with Title I students, to provide aerospace/STEM support and student mentorship and introduce CAP to a diverse and underrepresented group of students.

Sixth grade was selected because the students are old enough to connect with and possibly join a local CAP squadron. Adopted sixth-grade teachers will be provided complimentary CAP aerospace education memberships and will have the opportunity to participate in the free CAP K-6 Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program – the foundational curriculum for the new squadron outreach program.

Options have also been provided for adoption of fifth-, seventh- or eighth-grade teachers, as needed.

All program promotion and implementation guidance are available to squadrons on the Adopt-a-Classroom webpage. The page includes an informative flyer and comprehensive program guidebook so squadrons can adopt and support classrooms, either virtually or in person, during this academic year’s second semester.

In addition, CAP has selected Adopt-a-Classroom ambassadors who have already succeeded in conducting such a collaborative community outreach program – the Indiana Wing’s chief of staff for missions, Lt. Col. Brian Schmuck, and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Rylee Schmuck, cadet commander of the wing’s River City Cadet Squadron.

The two will lead the Adopt-a-Classroom campaign. They’re featured in an introductory video that fully explains the program to senior members, cadets and teachers.

The pair already collaborate with the Air Force Association's P-47 Memorial Chapter in Evansville to support a local school program, Thrive, which has earned the team the 2020 National ACE Collaborative Point of Light Program award.

The AFA is a supporter of the CAP ACE program, and its local chapters willl have the opportunity to follow the P-47 Memorial Chapter’s lead and collaborate with other CAP squadrons to adopt local classrooms. It’s through the generosity of partnerships and donors that this type of opportunity exists. 

The program is designed to help squadrons build relationships in the educational community that will stimulate student interest in aerospace-related STEM careers and create an awareness of the CAP cadet program’s youth opportunities.

Organizers also hope the program will help CAP’s educator members understand and request the support and mentorship local squadrons can provide in conducting any of the many free aerospace/STEM programs offered to teachers nationwide. Senior members and cadets can serve as positive role models to students in the aerospace-themed academic, character education and physical fitness program.

For more information about the program, email adopt@capnhq.gov.