Cadets have a mandatory aerospace education program. They must learn about aerospace education to progress in Civil Air Patrol. The governing regulation for Cadet aerospace education is CAP Regulation 52-16. Cadets must pass formal tests to progress in the achievement levels and in the awards system. Cadets are presented with aerospace education opportunities as part of squadron meetings, encampments and field trips and through guest speakers, model building and flying.
Senior members have an elective aerospace education program.
The external program is founded on the principles of community outreach. CAP has focused on schools and teachers as an excellent way to promote aerospace. Teachers can use aerospace themes and experiences to excite students, to teach a variety of subjects, and to develop special activities such as field trips, science competitions, model building, art contests, science fairs, etc. And, it is an excellent way to expose students to aerospace career opportunities while meeting national curriculum standards. This program is designed primarily for teachers from kindergarten through twelfth grade who want to promote aerospace education in their schools using CAP educational products and resources.