AMCAI Cadet Corps
AMCAI Cadet Corps In development
Lead, build and serve: from the cockpit to the coastline.
The AMCAI Cadet Corps is a youth leadership and service program built around aviation, aerospace, maritime and STEM. Cadets learn by doing, take on leadership roles, serve their community and build a verified record of what they have learned and accomplished.
AMCAI is free to underrepresented youth. The Cadet Corps is open to young people beyond American High School Academy (AHSA), which is AMCAI’s educational partner.
What cadets do
Four focus areas
Aviation & aerospace
Flight simulation, aviation careers, aerospace design and the 1947 Navion restoration project.
Maritime & environmental
Maritime STEM, water-quality projects and conservation, through AMCAI’s maritime program, ACMI.
STEM & technology
Drones, coding, robotics, electronics, AI and engineering design in hands-on projects.
Leadership & service
Team leadership, peer mentoring and community and conservation service.
Rank and skill are two different records
Discover → Learn → Build → Demonstrate → Lead → Serve
Cadet rank
Rank reflects a cadet’s progression, leadership, service and participation under the advancement criteria AMCAI approves.
Skill badges
AMCAI Skill Badges record specific demonstrated skills in the cadet’s Skill Passport. A physical uniform insignia can represent a verified badge where the uniform standard authorizes one; the verified digital record is the credential.
Outside credentials
Credentials from other issuers, such as an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, appear separately and only after the cadet has actually earned them and they have been verified.
AMCAI Skill Badges are earned credentials, not attendance awards. Certain restrictions apply. Eligible students must meet the requirements for the specific badge and successfully pass the required AMCAI proctored examination or assessment. AMCAI badges do not by themselves confer academic credit, licensure, government certification or third-party certification.
Two ways to take part
Separate enrollments
Cadet Corps enrollment
For cadets
- A Cadet Corps enrollment application and agreement, with parent or guardian consent for minors.
- Insurance is required for every cadet: evidence of existing health coverage that applies to the planned activities, or enrollment in an AMCAI-approved participant accident plan once one is available.
- Uniforms are required and are purchased separately from membership. A uniform fee waiver is available for qualifying cadets, subject to eligibility verification and approval.
- Field activities such as boating or flights need their own clearance; enrollment alone does not authorize them.
Curriculum-only enrollment
For students using AMCAI curricula
- A separate curriculum enrollment and user agreement, with parent or guardian acceptance for minors.
- No student insurance requirement.
- Students may still be eligible for AMCAI Course Skill Badges after meeting the badge requirements and passing the required assessment.
- Cadet membership, rank and uniform requirements do not apply.
For families, volunteers and schools
Pathways
Families
AMCAI programs are free to underrepresented youth. Any separate cost, such as uniforms, will be stated before enrollment, along with how to request a waiver.
Volunteers & instructors
Adults who serve with cadets complete screening and safety training, regardless of prior service. Volunteer with AMCAI.
Participating schools
Schools can take part through AMCAI curricula or the Cadet Corps. Schools must register before the start of the school year in which they intend to use the curricula.
Where the program stands
Status
● IN DEVELOPMENT
Handbook & advancement
The cadet handbook, rank structure and badge catalog are under review and not yet final.
● IN DEVELOPMENT
Enrollment & insurance
Enrollment forms, agreements and the participant accident plan are being prepared and reviewed. Enrollment is not open yet.
● IN DEVELOPMENT
Uniforms
Uniform standards and supplier quotes are being finalized, together with the uniform fee-waiver process.
Express interest
Want to hear when enrollment opens?
Tell us whether you are a student, a parent or guardian, a school or a volunteer, and we will send enrollment information when it is ready.
Nationwide campaign · GoFundMe
Help Kids Explore STEM: Support AMCAI’s Free Programs
Support helps fund the AMCAI Cadet Corps, STEM labs, participation assistance, field trips and curriculum development. Initial goal: $50,000.
The AMCAI Cadet Corps is an independent nonprofit youth program of AMCAI. It is not affiliated with the military or any government agency, and AMCAI ranks and insignia do not represent military rank or government authority. American Center for Aviation Innovation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 99-2049468.