A general public, and especially a school-aged population, educated in the principles of aviation and aerospace is an important consideration in helping ensure the availability of qualified recruits for not only the Air Force but also American industry. Civil Air Patrol plays a vital role in making sure that the public in general and students in particular develop and maintain an interest in aviation and aerospace. In the schools, CAP bolsters interest in the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and math – through lesson plans and kits focusing on astronomy, flight simulation, model and remote-controlled aircraft, robotics and rocketry. The congressional legislation designating CAP as the Air Force auxiliary in 1948 outlined aerospace education as one of the organization’s three core missions, along with emergency services and cadet programs.