National STEM Academy-OH

What if you could spend a week exploring the future of aviation and STEM - learning from the innovators who are shaping aerospace just as the Wright Brothers did more than 120 years ago?

At the National STEM Academy – Ohio, you’ll step into the cradle of manned flight and experience the cutting edge of aerospace innovation.

This one-of-a-kind National Cadet Special Activity immerses you in hands-on technology, expert mentorship, and real-world missions - all in the heart of the nation’s aerospace research and development region.

Over seven unforgettable days, you’ll pilot drones, fly eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft simulators, launch model rockets, and feel terminal velocity firsthand in a vertical wind tunnel. You’ll visit Air Force laboratories and innovation centers, see how technology drives mission success, and even earn your CAP STEM and Model Rocketry Badges.

What You’ll Do

• Bring aerospace and STEM concepts to life through hands-on demonstrations, tours, and interactive missions

• Experience terminal velocity in a vertical wind tunnel after exploring the physics behind freefall

• Discover how drones and eVTOL technologies are revolutionizing flight at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence and the National UAS Training and Certification Center

• Visit Air Force research and innovation sites including the Air Force Research Lab, rapid prototyping cell, aircraft test stand, and School of Aerospace Medicine

• Explore the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to connect past breakthroughs with future innovations

• Network with aerospace professionals, researchers, Air Force personnel, and fellow cadets

Why You Should Apply

• Gain real-world skills that can launch your career in aerospace or STEM

• Strengthen your college and scholarship applications with unique experiences and demonstrated skills

• Be among the first CAP cadets to fly next-generation eVTOL simulators

• Learn directly from mentors shaping the future of aviation and Air Force technology

Ready to launch your STEM adventure?
If you’re passionate about aerospace and innovation, this is your mission. Apply for the National STEM Academy – Ohio and take your world to new heights!

Note: Cadets enrolled in Cadet Wings are not eligible for national activities until they complete the program or are disenrolled.

Registration Prerequisites:

The following are required at the time of application:

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must be at least age 15 by the first day of the activity

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• CAP Health updated within last 30 days

Staff Application Information

Cadets: There are cadet staff positions at this activity. Please contact the Activity Director for more information before submitting an application. 

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• CAP Health updated within last 30 days

• Typical positions filled at this activity include, but are not limited to:

  • Safety

  • Health Services

  • Public Affairs

  • Transportation

  • Finance

Please contact the Activity Director to learn more about current staff needs or openings.

Apply in Registration Zone

Applications will be accepted from 15 December through 15 January at 12pm Central.  

Parent, Unit and Wing Approval deadlines must be met in order for an application to be considered. 

All participant and staff applications must be submitted via Registration Zone in eServices. 

Lift/Top is a needs-based financial assistance program. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you may have the option to receive a partial travel reimbursement towards round trip transportation to and from the activity. Lift/Top recipients must accept their slot in writing in order to receive this financial support.

CAP Cadet Scholarships: Through the generosity of our supporting donors, some CAP scholarships focus on supporting cadet attendance at NCSAs through a merit-based application process. Please see the Scholarship page to see the full list of available Activity Scholarships.

How to apply:

• Applications for both Lift/Top and CAP Scholarships are located in Registration Zone.

• You must apply for each program for which you wish to be considered.

• Lift/Top and each CAP Cadet Scholarship have their own individual Registration Zone events, separate from activity applications.

Important:

• Applying for these financial support programs does not guarantee financial assistance will be offered.

• Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity.

• You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity.

• You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.

The deadline to apply for these financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted. 

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior

• 80% of curriculum verified by completed assignments

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

• Activity Staff will provide transportation between Dayton International Airport only and the activity location.

• Required Staff Training on TBD at TBD