Civil Air Patrol taking learning to new heights with program
As an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) carries out a number of emergency services and disaster relief missions. The volunteers comprising the nonprofit “search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe.” And, through the CAP Aerospace Education program, they give wings to students’ dreams.
Aimed to promote aviation among young dreamers, the program gives students a taste of the world of aerodynamics and all its possibilities through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons and other activities, which educators can stock their classrooms with by becoming an Aerospace Education Member (AEM).
The program also helps address the nation’s pilot shortage by giving direction to the dreams of aviation enthusiasts age 12 – 18; through instruction, trainings and scholarship opportunities, CAP equips these aspiring pilots to be “patriotically and technically prepared for the global aerospace demands of the future.”
“This way, we can catch them early,” said Major Ron Marks. “And teachers are often the best influencers.”
Some of the program’s most recent influencers and AEMs are on staff at H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School, where students’ vocational dreams are soaring to new heights thanks to the program’s offerings.
“It helps our kids see what some of their options are for the future,” said Principal Trish Valentin. “We’re a ‘Kids at Hope’ school, so we focus a lot on hobbies and careers, and this reveals a multitude of opportunities for them in those areas.”
To become more acquainted with aviation and transport that knowledge back to their students, Valentin and ESS teacher Lisa Love embarked on a “discovery flight” in a Cessna 182R aircraft and hovered over the school to communicate with students from above.
“We want to give our students opportunities to dream, to look up and believe that anything is possible,” said teacher Lisa Love. “And what kid shouldn’t see their principal fly over their school in a plane?”
For more information on the Aerospace Education program and how to become an AEM, visit gocivilairpatrol.com/programs.