National STEM Academy - RI

What does it take to track satellites in orbit, operate autonomous vehicles, coordinate aircraft and ships, or manage a complex mission?

You’ll explore the technologies and careers that bring aerospace, space, and maritime operations together. Based in historic Newport, Rhode Island, home to some of the nation's leading naval education and research organizations, this activity introduces cadets to Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO)—the integration of capabilities across air, land, maritime, space, and cyber domains.

Through hands-on STEM challenges, demonstrations, simulations, and experiences with military, academic, and industry professionals, you'll discover how aviation, satellites, robotics, autonomous systems, sensors, and communications technologies work together to accomplish complex missions. You'll also explore the many career paths involved in developing, operating, and managing these advanced systems.

What You’ll Do at National STEM Academy-Rhode Island

• Explore space operations. Discover how satellites are tracked, how objects move in orbit, and how space-domain awareness supports modern operations, with opportunities to experience immersive simulation technologies.

• Get hands-on with robotics and engineering. Work with electronics, sensors, propulsion, and remotely operated vehicles while exploring technologies shared by underwater robots and unmanned aircraft.

• Learn how aircraft, ships, satellites, and communications systems work together

• Explore advanced military technology. Discover how Navy researchers and operators use autonomous systems, sensors, simulations, and information networks to understand and operate in challenging environments.

• Explore how leaders integrate aerospace, space, maritime, and other capabilities to coordinate complex operations.

• Sail aboard a historic America’s Cup 12-Meter yacht, explore Newport and enjoy a day at the beach with fellow cadets.

Why You Should Apply

• Discover careers in aerospace engineering, space operations, robotics, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and more

• Learn from professionals working in military operations, advanced research, engineering, and technology.

• Explore how technologies developed for aircraft, spacecraft, ships, and underwater vehicles share engineering principles.

• Experience the connection between cutting-edge technology and real-world operational challenges.

Ready to explore the future?

Whether you're interested in aviation, satellites, robotics, engineering, military technology, or simply discovering what STEM careers have to offer, National STEM Academy – RI will introduce you to a world where they all come together

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 16 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 communicate the approved airport and arrival and departure windows to slotted participants.

• Required Staff Training TBD