The authority for the Civil Air Patrol aerospace education mission is derived from Public Law 476, 11 July 1946.
The law states that CAP is Congressionally chartered to provide “aviation education and training” (aerospace education) to cadet members, senior members, and the general public and inform our citizens about the importance of maintaining aerospace supremacy for America.
In 1948, CAP became the civilian volunteer auxiliary of the newly-created United States Air Force and both organizations joined hands to promote aerospace education for the nation. The Cooperative Agreement and associated Statement of Work between the CAP and the USAF authorizes and encourages CAP to pursue the promotion of aerospace to its members and the general public.
In 1953, CAP turned to the American school system, primarily grades K-12, as the best means to educate the general public on aerospace education. Today, CAP provides educational programs and products to schools to enrich their standard academic subjects using an aerospace theme.
In 2008, the National Science Teachers Association endorsed aerospace education as an important component of pre K-12 science education programs. All of CAP’s aerospace education educational materials meet national academic standards, as CAP’s programs inspire teachers and students to explore aerospace subject areas, examine career opportunities and appreciate the Air Force’s role in maintaining aerospace supremacy to strengthen our nation’s security.
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