Free K-12 Aerospace Books
AEMs may request free grade-level aerospace and STEM books aligned to national academic standards through CAP Aerospace Education resources.
Contact AE SupportAerospace Education Member Associate
Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education
Aerospace Education Membership (AEM)
The Aerospace Education Member program supports educators, schools, homeschools, museums, libraries, and youth organizations by providing aerospace and STEM educational resources through Civil Air Patrol.
What is an Aerospace Education Member?
Aerospace Education Membership is a special membership category for educators and individuals interested in promoting aerospace and STEM education without participating in Civil Air Patrol’s active operational membership program.
AEMs are assigned to a national-level aerospace education unit and are not assigned to local squadrons. Members do not wear CAP uniforms or attend regular squadron meetings.
Use aviation as the theme to propel youth onward and upward!
The AEM program is designed for K-12 educators and youth leaders involved in aerospace and STEM instruction in classrooms, homeschools, museums, libraries, after-school programs, and community organizations.
Program Benefits
AEM Benefits
Aerospace Education Members receive access to a wide variety of free aerospace education resources, STEM programs, and instructional materials.
Free STEM Kits
Members may apply for hands-on STEM kits designed to support classroom aerospace and science education activities.
Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX)
Conduct aerospace and STEM lessons and activities to earn AEX certificates for educators and participating students.
Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE)
K-6 educators can participate in CAP’s nationally recognized ACE program featuring academic, character, and physical fitness lessons.
Teacher Orientation Program Flights
Eligible educators may participate in orientation flights aboard CAP aircraft with experienced CAP pilots.
CAP Aerospace Support
Local CAP squadrons may assist schools and youth organizations with aviation speakers, airport tours, career days, and STEM activities.
A sampling of STEM kits available to Aerospace Education Members.
Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) Program
The Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) program encourages educators to conduct aerospace and STEM lessons combined with hands-on activities and special aerospace events.
Educators complete six aerospace/STEM lessons and one major aerospace activity event to earn recognition certificates for themselves and participating students.
Activities may include rocket launches, hot air balloon launches, aircraft building projects, museum visits, airport tours, or STEM competitions.
Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE)
The Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program is designed for K-6 classrooms and youth organizations and combines aerospace-themed academics, character education, and physical fitness activities.
Participating educators receive grade-specific curriculum guides and classroom materials after registering each school year.
Schools, libraries, museums, summer programs, and after-school organizations may all participate in the ACE program.
Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) Flights
Teacher Orientation Program flights provide educators with a firsthand aviation experience aboard CAP aircraft.
Flights include a pre-flight briefing, aircraft familiarization, and an educational orientation flight conducted by a qualified CAP pilot.
Educators can use TOP flight experiences to inspire students and integrate aerospace concepts into classroom instruction.
How to Join
Membership Information
Become an Aerospace Education Member
$35 Annual Membership Fee with optional free annual renewal opportunities.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Must not have felony convictions or pending felony charges.
Must support CAP’s aerospace education mission.
Educators may apply online directly or submit a paper application if a school or organization is paying by check.
AEMs may transfer to Active Senior Membership at any time during the membership year by completing CAPF 12 and required fingerprint processing through a local CAP unit.
Inspire Future Aviators
Bring Aerospace & STEM Into Your Classroom
Aerospace Education Membership gives educators access to free curriculum, STEM resources, aerospace activities, and opportunities that help inspire the next generation of aviation and STEM leaders.
