Educators
👩🏫 Welcome to the Educators Resource Hub
If you're an educator looking for free aerospace and STEM lesson plans, textbooks, hands-on activities, and classroom resources, you're in the right place! Whether you're teaching in a traditional classroom, after-school program, library, or museum, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offers valuable materials to support cross-curricular learning in both core and elective subjects.
📚 Explore our Aerospace Curriculum Index ➤ Click Here
✈️ 1. Aerospace Education Member (AEM) Program
The AEM Program is designed for K–12 formal and informal educators — including teachers, homeschool leaders, museum and library staff, and youth program instructors.
What You Need to Know:
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AEMs are not part of a local squadron
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No uniform or meeting attendance is required
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Membership is managed by CAP National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
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One-time membership fee: $35 (with free annual renewals)
📄 Download the AEM Info Flier
🖱️ Join Online Now
💌 Paying by school check? Email ae@capnhq.gov
🔐 2. Accessing the CAP Member Portal (eServices)
Once you become an AEM, you’ll receive a CAP ID number granting you access to eServices, our secure member portal.
To get started:
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Go to eServices
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Click "First Time User" to set up your login
From there, navigate to the Aerospace Education section to access your member benefits, including:
📘 Free K–12 Aerospace Textbooks
Choose from a wide variety of nationally aligned, standards-based books for your grade level.
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Downloadable in AE Downloads & Resources
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Hard copies can be shipped on request: ae@capnhq.gov
🔬 Free K–12 STEM Kits
CAP offers over 15 STEM Kits that cover topics like robotics, flight, rocketry, drones, and more.
How it works:
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Request one kit per cycle
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Kits are shipped monthly after approval
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Use the kit for at least 6 instructional hours
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Complete a quick online evaluation
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Keep the kit and request another!
🛑 Note: No STEM Kit orders are accepted June–August due to program maintenance. Orders resume in September.
🏅 Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) Program
Earn awards for you and your students!
To participate:
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Complete 6 aerospace/STEM activities
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Conduct one 2-hour event (e.g., rocket launch, field trip, build/fly challenge)
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Submit an evaluation in eServices
🎓 Receive certificates of completion for both educator and students.
🚀 Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) Program (Grades K–6)
The ACE Program is a grade-specific, standards-aligned curriculum covering:
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Academics
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Character Education
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Physical Fitness
To participate:
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Register annually (August 1 – February 28)
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Complete 10 out of 21+ lessons
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Submit a completion report to receive student and teacher certificates
📄 Download the ACE Info Flier
👥 Need help from a local squadron? Learn how CAP can support your ACE program
🛫 3. Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) Flights
Experience the thrill of flight with our FREE Teacher Orientation Flights!
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Fly from a local airport with a CAP pilot
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Gain insights to bring aviation excitement back to your classroom
✉️ To schedule a flight or ask questions: ae@capnhq.gov
(Bonus: Bring a fellow educator and fly together!)
🤝 4. Partnering with Local CAP Squadrons
CAP squadrons across the country are eager to support local educators and schools. Here’s how they can help:
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Provide guest speakers for classrooms or career days
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Offer airport tours and aircraft displays
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Support ACE or AEX program activities
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Host aerospace career presentations with cadet involvement
Find a Squadron Near You:
Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com and enter your ZIP code in the “Find a Local Squadron” tool. Adjust the search radius to locate a unit near you.
👨✈️ Want cadets to speak at your school? Ask your local CAP contact if they can bring cadets to:
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Share their experiences
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Inspire students to join CAP
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Explore career opportunities in aviation and aerospace
🎥 Watch the Cadet Life Video
✈️ Learn About the Cadet Wings Flight Training Program
📄 Download the Cadet Wings Pathway Flier
🏅 CAP Awards & Recognition for Educators
CAP celebrates educator involvement and recognizes the impact of aerospace education in classrooms and communities. Your participation as an AEM supports a national effort to promote STEM, leadership, and service through engaging learning opportunities.
📬 Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Contact our Aerospace Education team at:
📧 ae@capnhq.gov
We're honored to support your educational mission and look forward to helping you bring aerospace and STEM to life for your students!
