For more than 50 years, the Civil Air Patrol has aggressively performed the
missions Congress mandated in 1946: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and
Emergency Services.
Aerospace Education
America's love of manned flight started with the Wright brothers and
continues unabated during this century. World War II showcased the important
role aviation would play in the future and national leaders recognized the
importance of stimulating public interest in aerospace activities.
CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, was most suited to
perform this mission. Their efforts focused on two different audiences -
internal CAP members and the general public.
The internal programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have
an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. A rigorous educational
program is tied to promotions at every level in the CAP organization.
Aerospace educators working out of CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell
AFB, Ala., provide materials that are current and reflect the highest
standards of educational excellence.
The congressional charter also tasked CAP to stimulate public interest in
aerospace issues. These external programs are primarily conducted through our
nation's education systems.
Each year, CAP sponsors nearly 200 workshops in colleges and universities
across the nation which reach more than 5,000 educators.
These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances
in aerospace technology. Textbooks, learning tools, and visual aids geared to
stimulate interest in aerospace matters also are provided for teachers to use
in their classrooms.
Started in 1951, these workshops have reached hundreds of thousands of
young people.
