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We hope you have had a great summer, AEOs and AEMs! As you, your cadets and students head "Back to School," remember that Civil Air Patrol's AE Program is here to help make the 2026-2027 school year the best one yet!
With the start of August, two classroom-focused Civil Air Patrol AE programs have kicked off registration. Educators, registration is open for Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE), a K-6 STEM program. Educators and AEOs, registration is also open for the ACE Plus program, which connects classrooms and squadrons. Find out more details on both in this newsletter.
This newsletter issue also has important announcements about the following:
- CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers national STEM challenge training is available.
- A new feature is available in the STEM Kit application to help squadrons complete QCUA requirements; also, see the STEM Kit program schedule for the remainder of the fiscal year.
- Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) deadlines are approaching.
- A new STEM Learning Resources webpage has replaced the "Curriculum" page on GoCivilAirPatrol.com.
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Volunteers are needed to create Aerospace Dimensions questions.
- A new regular newsletter feature will focus on AE outreach.
Also, read on to learn about CAP's 2026 National AEO School in Dayton, Ohio, this summer.
If you have any information you would like to see in an upcoming newsletter, please reach out to us at ae@capnhq.gov
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THIS MONTH: Member story - Program updates - AE Safety Check -
News and Events - Curriculum
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PROGRAM UPDATES
2026-2027 ACE registration is open!
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I can't believe it.
Say it isn't true.
Summer is over.
Checklists suddenly grew.
Check off the following items;
Clean desks, shelves, and room.
Prepare lessons and gather supplies
Sweep up your classroom.
Now for an important part,
Make sure to register for ACE.
August 1st was the opening day
Make sure to add your FACE!
Teachers in grades K-6, registration is now open for the Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) Program for the 2026-2027 school year. ACE is CAP's grade-specific K-6 STEM program. Registered teachers receive class sets of engaging educational items.
Questions? Contact ace@capnhq.gov. To register for the 2026-2027 ACE Program, click below.
| | ACE Plus connects squadrons and classrooms | | |
Teachers in grades 5-8 who register for the ACE Program can have their classroom adopted by a CAP squadron with adults and cadets coming into the classroom to teach ACE and other aerospace/STEM lessons!
Interested teachers can complete the top of the Request to Collaborate Form and send to their state’s volunteer Director of Aerospace Education (DAE) as found on the list HERE. The state’s DAE will connect the teacher to a squadron, which will complete the bottom portion of the form and submit to adopt@capnhq.gov for processing.
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STEM Kit application has new feature
allowing reused kits to count for QCUA
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Members can now receive credit for completing a STEM kit they already have received, helping units maximize existing resources and reduce wait times for new kit shipments. The "Reuse" function is a new toggleable option available in Step 2 of the STEM Kit application. Available only for kits currently in your inventory, it's a small update with big benefits, especially for squadrons working toward Quality Cadet Unit Award (QCUA) Credit.
This feature is most beneficial to help squadrons toward their QCUA, but it is also available to our AEMs.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TOGGLE THIS FEATURE ON
- No physical STEM kit will be shipped.
- Only STEM kits your unit has previously applied for can be selected.
- STEM kits that have not been assigned to your unit will be grayed out.
- Only currently supported STEM kits are eligible. Discontinued kits cannot be reused.
- Your unit must complete 3 additional hours with the selected kit before submitting the evaluation survey. You cannot apply for another STEM kit until the evaluation survey is completed.
- Completing the evaluation survey closes the STEM application and awards QCUA STEM Kit Credit.
Click the link below for detailed instructions. For additional questions and support, please contact stem@capnhq.gov.
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Reminder: Check out STEM Kit program
schedule for remainder of fiscal yearsch
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As we approach the end of the fiscal year, we would like to remind members of the March announcement regarding the planned August and September closure of the STEM Kit Program for educator members (AEMs).
Please review the schedule below for the planned closure timeline. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work through this transition to the new fiscal year. As the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 gets closer, we will update you on when the program will open for AEOs and AEMs.
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Please note: Applications submitted during one month are reviewed the following month. For example, applications submitted in August will be reviewed in September.
If you have any questions, please reach out to STEM@capnhq.gov. We are excited to continue supporting our members in inspiring the next generation of aviation, space, and cyber leaders through STEM education.
Very Respectfully,
The Stem Kit Committee
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AEX 2026-2027 Program wrap up:
Squadrons can still apply and complete their reports
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AEX Award completion deadlines for the 2025-2026 cycle are approaching for squadrons:
Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) completion counts toward earning the Quality Cadet Unit Award (QCUA) as well as the Squadron AE Achievement Award.
It is not too late to submit your AEX completion reports or even to apply for the 2025-2026 AEX program. As long as you have kept records of your activity dates, you can apply and fill out the report with any activities that occurred from Oct. 1-Sept. 30.
For credit for the QCUA, the AEX Completion Report should be submitted by Aug. 30. The deadline for the Squadron AE Achievement Award is Sept. 30. Again, AEX program activities should take place from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 each year. Activities and resources are available in Absorb LMS accessible in eServices. Or you may use your own activities or lessons from a like-minded STEM education organization. Work conducted while participating in the CAP/NASA Missions, the CAP High-Altitude Balloon Challenge, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers, and STEM Kit lessons also make great activities to apply toward AEX completion.
To learn more about the AEX Program and the instructions for completing the program, click the link below. If you have any questions about AEX or filling out the completion report, please contact aex@capnhq.gov. We are here to help.
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CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
Visit our new STEM Learning Resources page on GoCivilAirPatrol.com
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It's a big reveal - a makeover that will help you to better find and use our learning resources! The former "Curriculum" page is now the "STEM Learning Resources" page on the AE section of GoCivilAirPatrol.com. The new design better reflects the upgrades and changes we have made to our learning products and how you access them.
Our revised lesson framework.
- Built-in facilitator support
- Expanded educational standards
- Digital extensions
- Safety guides
- Lesson debrief surveys
All lessons (newly reimagined activities as well as legacy favorites) are now available in Absorb LMS (eServices > Online learning > Absorb). Our legacy publications have been deconstructed and tagged to make finding the lessons you need easier. Click below to check it out and see what's new!
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Call for volunteers: Update
Aerospace Dimensions exam questionsh
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With the exciting release of the revised and updated Aerospace Dimensions curriculum arriving in early 2027, we are looking for volunteers to write new, higher-order exam questions. If you are familiar with the Dimensions curriculum or have experience writing assessment questions for a 7th- through 10th-grade audience, we would love to have you on the team!
Project Scope
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Module Assignment: Each volunteer will be assigned 1 or 2 updated modules to read in preparation for question development (there are 6 modules in total).
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Kickoff Call: Each volunteer will be asked to schedule a brief video call with the AE Curriculum Developer, Gina Zoller, to discuss the overarching themes and objectives of the assigned module(s) and to answer any questions.
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Deliverable: Write 15 questions per module. All questions must be multiple-choice or multi-select and focus on process orientation and critical thinking skills (no rote memorization).
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Deadline: Final questions must be submitted back to the AE team for review by October 1, 2026.
Ready to make an impact? if you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more, please fill out this brief form to get started.
| | (These safety tips are things to think about as you lead or participate in an Aerospace Education activity. The writer of this monthly feature is National AE Manager Lt. Col. Karen Cooper, who is also the Northeast Region DCS/Aerospace Education.) | | |
READ AND FOLLOW STEM KIT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Did you check the box when your new STEM kit arrived? How about the written instructions? Manufacturers will include safety information that you should consider including in your pre-activity safety briefing. The safety information covers a wide range of information, including handling of the STEM kit and any batteries.
Although written instructions are usually black and white, the box may contain common safety signs and color codes that use standardized colors and symbols to prevent injury. STEM kits would not include Danger Signs (Red) or Warning Signs (Orange), but they may contain:
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Caution Signs (Yellow) that warn against potential physical hazards that could result in minor or moderate injury, such as pinch points. These will appear as a yellow background with a black triangle or black lettering.
- The boxes may also contain Mandatory/Notice Signs (Blue or Green), which indicate required actions or rules (like wearing protective gear), while green marks safety equipment. They may appear as blue circles or green rectangles with white pictograms.
- And don’t forget the recommended age range!
| | If you have a safety topic you would like to be included in this space, please email kcooper@ner.cap.gov. | | Coaching a CyberPatriot or StellarXplorers team? Training is available for you | | |
For members coaching a CyberPatriot or StellarXplorers team, or doing so for the first time, CAP Cyber has an opportunity to help you kick start your program! Although this is intended for new coaches, any coach or prospective coach is welcome – this is a great way to learn about the programs, both national STEM competitions of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA).
Maj. Bill Blatchley, Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Cyber Mission Team Deputy for Education and Awareness, is hosting bi-weekly coaches meetings to help get you started, beginning Sept. 3 for the StellarXplorers meeting and Sept. 10 for CyberPatriot.
StellarXplorers meetings will be on the first and third Thursday of each month; CyberPatriot will be on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. During these sessions, you will learn about creating a team, how to obtain the Systems Toolkit software, how to create STK scenarios, and the overall structure of these AFA competitions. The meetings will be at 9 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. Pacific via Microsoft Teams and will usually last approximately one hour. All training sessions will be recorded so that they can be viewed at a later time if you miss a training session or want to review it.
Starting Dates:
- Sept. 3 for StellarXplorers
- Sept. 10 for CyberPatriot.
- Time: 9 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. Pacific
- Location: Virtual training via Microsoft Teams (link will be provided via e-mail)
Pre-registration is required using Registration Zone. To register, click the links below.
Questions:
Email cyber-programs@cap.gov for additional information.
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OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT
Learn the importance of external STEM engagement
| | Lt. Col. Michael Castania, New Jersey Wing Director of Aerospace Education, serves on CAP's AE National Volunteer Staff in the area of educational outreach. He will provide articles for the National AE Monthly Newsletter on like-minded STEM organizations and other ways to collaborate in your community. | | |
Effective aerospace education outreach relies on experiential STEM engagement, teacher professional development, industry, and community partnerships. It is incumbent upon CAP members to become aware of the importance of the external AE program, and to conduct outreach initiatives that will perpetuate CAP’s AE mission. Here are a few of the organizations to know.
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Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): Runs the Young Eagles Program, which provides children ages 8-17 with a free introductory airplane flight, plus aviation camps and the Ray Aviation Scholarship for flight training.
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STEM Flights: Connects middle and high school students with volunteer pilot mentors for hands-on flight experiences combined with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.
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Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP): Offers Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy summer programs and extensive mentoring to guide minority youth toward aerospace careers.
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Women in Aviation International (WAI): Provides year-round education, mentoring, and millions of dollars in scholarships specifically targeted at encouraging young girls and students to enter aviation fields.
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Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA): Engages younger children and teens through its Young Aviators and youth membership programs, building foundational aerodynamics and remote-piloting skills.
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AOPA High School Aviation Curriculum: Has a free, four-year, comprehensive educational curriculum designed for high schools.
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FAA STEM AVSED Program: The FAA conducts outreach through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Space Education (STEM AVSED) programs to inspire and prepare today's youth to explore, connect, and pursue aerospace careers of tomorrow.
-- Lt. Col Michael Castania, NJ Wing DAE
| | National AEO School held in Dayton, Ohio | |
This summer 49 aerospace education leaders representing all eight regions and 25 wings came together in Dayton, Ohio, at the 23rd Civil Air Patrol National Aerospace Education Officers School for four days of engaging training on the duties and responsibilities of an aerospace education officer (AEO). The event, held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base June 23-26, also provided AE leaders opportunities for networking, brainstorming, developing solutions via workshopping, engaging learning activities, and more.
Dr. Shayla Freeman, CAP’s director of aerospace education, said National AEO School benefits both members and their communities.
“National AEO School is an opportunity for AEOs from across the country to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the skills that help us better serve our communities,” she said. “Every session and conversation reinforces the value of sharing ideas and learning from one another.”
On the day before the sessions began, attendees who desired to visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force toured the museum with a CAP senior member, who is a museum docent and highlighted CAP-focused exhibits and information.
This was the second year the school has been held in Dayton. Last year’s event was the first, preceded by schools held in Pensacola and Cocoa Beach, Florida. Click the link below to read the full story.
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