Mission Statement: A dding 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. Approximately 500,000 students have participated in the program since program inception.

Student Academy: 4 or 5-day program hour curriculum Exciting hands-on activities taught by certified teachers and military volunteers Only program that introduces 5 th grade student to computer aided design engineering

Population Served: Historically under-represented in STEM careers Inner-city and/or rural areas located near our military installations/facilities Schools with low academic performance scores Socio-economically disadvantage Racial or ethnic minorities Disabled

Core Curriculum Areas: Newton’s Laws of Motion Four Forces of Flight Bernoulli’s Principle Model Rocketry Aircraft Control Surfaces & Components Goal Setting Teamwork Avoiding Substance Abuse Properties & States of Matter Flight Simulation Space Exploration Properties of Air Development, Innovation, & Use of Technology

Program Efficacy: Pre/post test show gain of 6.34 points Attitudes of all participants about STEM shift dramatically towards the positive Youth leave with feeling of empowerment Military Commanders, school officials and parents have positive perception of the program

Program Cost: Academy cost: $293,584 Number of students: 53,000 Average cost per student: $293 FY08 President’s Budget Request is $16.2 million

Questions