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Cadet KPIs & Annual Survey

 

Key Downloads

Survey Instruments, 2024


The Annual Cadet Survey is a crucial instrument for the cadet community to comprehend the functioning of the Cadet Program within local squadrons. It is a key component of our comprehensive monitoring and evaluation initiative, alongside the Key Performance Indicators (Cadet KPIs) and compliance inspections. The survey, along with these tools, is designed to support our community in understanding and improving how we serve cadets effectively.

Why does CAP conduct an Annual Cadet Survey?
Why does CAP monitor "Key Performance Indicators"?

Simple: So we can learn how to serve cadets better. 

Objectives of the 2024 Annual Cadet Survey:

  1. Gather information on the Cadet uniform, focusing on details not currently within CAP's database. This data is crucial for enhancing the inclusivity, relevance, and equity of the uniform requirements within Cadet Programs.

  2. Evaluate the proper implementation of key standards (e.g., CPP, Wingman) at the local level and determine if CAP is meeting parents' expectations regarding the safety and positive leadership of their cadets.

  3. Solicit feedback on cadet life using open-ended qualitative methods to capture evidence of organizational culture and the impact of the program in general.

Key Facts: Annual Cadet Survey


Invited Participants:   All cadets aged 13 and older*, parents, and adult leaders (all CC, CD, CP, AE, HC, & CDI positions), are invited to participate via an email. 

Mandate:  The survey is completely voluntary. Nobody is required to participate. Nobody will know who chose to participate and who chose to opt-out.

Confidentiality:  The survey is strictly anonymous.

Period:  The survey is open through 31 March 2024

Versions:   All three audiences receive the same basic survey, but some of the questions are adjusted slightly to match the audience.  

Sequencing:  Parents and adult leaders receive the survey first, on 8 March 2024. This way, adults can familiarize themselves with the instrument and will notice that the questions are entirely innocent. Cadets receive their surveys via email on 11 March 2024.

Content:  The survey, in all three versions, is available for download. This PDF is simply for viewing; the PDF is not a means for completing the survey. To respond to the survey, use the link provided by email.

Findings:  We will share a summary of findings via a webinar on 1 May at 1200 CST.
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* Federal regulations restrict online services directed at children under age 13.

 

Annual Cadet Survey Archives

2020 Summary 
2021 Summary 
2022 Summary
2023 Summary

 

 

 

Program evaluation is not an exercise in "Gotcha!" but an effort to learn what's working and how to serve cadets better.

 

CAP says it develops young people into aerospace leaders, but is that actually so? 

Because we care about the cadets, we need to evaluate how well the Cadet Program is performing. While performance metrics will be useful as we try to attract donors, their main purpose is to help us learn what’s working and how to serve cadets better. Program evaluation is not an exercise in “Gotcha!” but an effort to improve cadet life. 

Today, we are mostly a compliance-centered culture. Our IGs check adherence to regulations. That’s important work, but a unit could be in full compliance and wholly ineffective at making a difference for cadets or America. 

The National Commander has endorsed the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked below. If CP leaders begin paying attention to them, we will naturally do better for the cadets. We will be measuring what’s truly important, and that’s the work most apt to get done. 
 

Primary Resource

CAPVA 60-112 Cadet KPIs

 

Supporting Resources

Cadet Metrics - White paper offering context for the Cadet KPIs (document was published prior to the KPIs being approved)

CAPVA 60-109 Cadet Program Logic Model

 

 

 

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