Civil Air Patrol cadets experience ‘full scope’ of MTSU at engineering technology academy
Nearly 60 Civil Air Patrol cadets from 31 states recently spent a week at Middle Tennessee State University as part of the CAP National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy, gaining hands-on experience in a wide range of STEM fields while exploring college and career opportunities.
Fifty-four cadets, selected through a competitive national application process, participated in classroom instruction, laboratory activities, simulations and interactive projects led by MTSU's College of Basic and Applied Sciences and College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. Additional experiences were provided by the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment and the College of Education.
“The state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding faculty create exceptional learning experiences for the cadets,” said Maj. Christina Ragain of the Missouri Wing, director of the academy. She noted that the Walker Library MakerSpace, flight simulators, BAJA rovers and leadership sessions with retired Lt. Gen. Keith Huber are among the highlights each year.
Cadets explored disciplines including aerospace, engineering technology, agriculture, physics and astronomy, construction management, biology, chemistry, military science and mechatronics. They also learned about criminal justice, public health, physician assistant studies, social work, fashion studies, athletic training and exercise science.
Andrew Oppmann, MTSU vice president for marketing and communications and a Civil Air Patrol lieutenant colonel, welcomed the cadets during opening ceremonies and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities available throughout the week.
“We at MTSU are honored to welcome you to our campus and congratulate you in your selection in this very selective academy,” Oppmann said.
Beyond STEM programs, cadets visited MTSU's recording industry facilities, participated in television production activities at True Blue TV and attended a leadership seminar led by Huber.
Cadet Lt. Col. Ava Zendejas of the Washington Wing, who served as the academy's cadet commander, praised the university's efforts.
“The MTSU faculty has carefully curated every facet of this week to ensure that cadets not only learn about engineering but also experience the full scope of opportunities MTSU has to offer,” Zendejas said.
Civil Air Patrol National Commander and CEO Maj. Gen. Regena Aye also highlighted the partnership while attending EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“Such a joy to get to speak about the great work that Middle Tennessee State University does, and our partnership with them, which is very impactful in the lives of our cadets,” Aye told Flying Magazine. “When you are on a college campus, and you get to experience what college students get to see and do on a daily basis, that inspires you to see yourself in that environment.”
Civil Air Patrol, founded in 1941, has more than 60,000 volunteer members and serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The organization is known for its search-and-rescue missions, aerospace education programs and cadet leadership development.
MTSU and Civil Air Patrol have partnered in aerospace education since 2014, with the university hosting the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy since 2017. Their relationship dates back even further, from 1948 to 1953, when the Middle Tennessee State College Squadron operated on campus.
Ragain said Civil Air Patrol is already planning to return for next year's academy, continuing a partnership that introduces future aviation and STEM leaders to opportunities at MTSU.
