Mission Statement:

Adding value to America through a youth program that raises the interest and improves the knowledge and skills of at-risk youth in math, science, and technology by exposing them to the technological environment and the positive role models found on military bases and installations.

History:

Began in 1990 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan

Original funding through a grant from the Kellogg Foundation

DoD funding made available in 1993

Six additional Academies were started at National Guard sites across the nation

Growth:

54 Academies in 33 states, the District of Columbia, & Puerto Rico

Reaching over 50,000 students annually, working with over 900 schools in 200 school districts.

3 outreach programs to American Indians in SD, MS, & OK

Student Academy: 4 or 5-day program

20-25 hour curriculum

Exciting hands-on activities taught by military volunteers and certified teachers

Only program that introduces 5th grade student to computer aided design engineering

Population Served:

Historically under-represented in STEM careers

Inner-city and/or rural Racial or ethnic minorities Disabled Socio-economically

disadvantage Schools with low academic

performance scores

Core Curriculum Areas:

Newton’s Laws of Motion Four Forces of Flight Bernoulli’s Principle Model Rocketry Aircraft Control Surfaces

& Components Properties of Air Avoiding Substance

Abuse Development,

Innovation, & Use of Technology

Properties & States of Matter

Flight Simulation Space Exploration Goal Setting Teamwork

Program Efficacy: Pre/post test show gain of 6.34

points

Attitudes of all participants shift dramatically towards the positive

Youth leave with feeling of empowerment

Commanders have positive perception of the program

Program Cost:

Academy cost: $293,584

Number of students: 53,000

Average cost per student: $293

FY08 funding request is $16 million