2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 5 th grade student to computer aided design engineering

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Program Cost: Academy cost: $293,584 Number of students: 53,000 Average cost per student: $293 FY08 funding request is $16 million