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
Top Related