An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Take Flight

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES (AVIATION - S.T.E.M. - YOUTH - CADETS)

AFAC Det. 1 logo Air Force Accessions Center, Detachment 1
Air Force Accessions Center, Detachment 1

The Air Force Accessions Center – Detachment 1’s primary audience is the pre-accession population (youth, young adult, and influencers), under-represented groups, and strategic partners nationwide to provide pathways to aviation via the Air Force’s three commissioning sources.

See More
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets, pose for a picture at Salisbury, Maryland, August 10, 2022. The Cadets were at the end of the course and all had passed their last flight test, making them pilots still in or just out of high school. Air Force Junior ROTC
Air Force Junior ROTC

The mission of Air Force Junior ROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. It is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill personal responsibility, character, and self-discipline. This is achieved through air and space education and hands-on-learning opportunities!

See More
Civil Air Patrol Shield v2 (Color), Graphic courtesy of Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters. Commercial reproduction of this emblem is NOT permitted without the permission of the proponent organizational/unit commander. Image is 7x7 inches @ 300 ppi. CIVIL AIR PATROL
CIVIL AIR PATROL

Since its inception in 1941, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) serves as a premier public service organization that serves through aerospace education, emergency services, and cadet programs. For both youth and adults, CAP promotes aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education, shapes future leaders, and provides an integral search & rescue mission for the United States.

See More

FIND YOUR PATH TO FLYING IN THE AIR FORCE (COLLEGE STUDENT - COMMISIONED OFFICER - FLYING AIRCREW)

Grace Tinkey takes the oath of office June 2, 2022, on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, as a newly commissioned second lieutenant. Tinkey commissioned through Air Force Officer Training School, attending the school following her selection in 2021 for the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program. The former enlisted C-17 loadmaster was also selected for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. Her dream of becoming an officer and pilot were realized following personal tragedies that delayed her plans for nearly a decade. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Cody Gandy) OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (OTS)
OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (OTS)

Officer Training School is a nine-week, four-phase program designed for civilians and prior-service Airmen with a college degree who are ready to take the next step as a leader in their lives and careers. Upon graduation, you are commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.

See More
Graphic of Air Force ROTC emblem AIR FORCE ROTC
AIR FORCE ROTC

Offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country, Air Force ROTC develops the leaders of tomorrow. Scholarship opportunities are available and, upon graduation and degree completion, students are commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.

See More
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2020 graduates toss their hats in the air as the Air Force Thunderbirds flyover U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

One of the five U.S. service academies, the U.S. Air Force Academy trains 4,000+ cadets via integrated and immersive academic, athletic, and military curriculum tuition-free. Cadets graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

See More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Orchydia Sackey, 50th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, stands in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 7, 2023. RISE-ABOVE HOW TO BECOME AN AIR FORCE AVIATOR
RISE-ABOVE HOW TO BECOME AN AIR FORCE AVIATOR

Learn about how real Air Force aircrew achieved their flying dreams and what pathways are available to earning your wings with the Air Force!

See More

Rated Prep Program overview

Logo

Rated Preparatory Program Overview

Air Education and Training Command

US AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Logo

Heritage Today - Dignity and Respect USAFA

Air Force Profession of Arms Center of Excellence

JROTC FLIGHT ACADEMY

Logo

JROTC Flight Academy

Air University Public Affairs

AIM HIGH FLIGHT ACADEMY

Logo

AIM High Flight Academy: Changing Lives

Air University Public Affairs

AFJROTC Program Overview

Logo

AFJROTC Program Overview

Air University Public Affairs

RATED DIVERSITY IMPROVEMENT RESOURCES

  • AFROTC YOU-CAN-FLY PROGRAM

    The AFROTC You Can Fly (AYCF) program was created in 2019 to increase diversity among rated forces through early exposure, education, and flight experience.  The program is an introductory flight program for about 900 cadets. Each cadet receives $3,500 to use at FAA-certified flight schools,

  • AIM HIGH FLIGHT ACADEMY

    -    The AIM HIGH Flight Academy (AHFA) is a STEAM-based, aviation-focused, motivation and mentorship program designed to increase diversity across rated career fields by reaching high performing high school students involved in youth aviation, STEAM and community outreach programs from strategic

  • AFJROTC FLIGHT ACADEMY

    What is the Flight Academy? The Flight Academy is a Chief of Staff of the Air Force scholarship to generate aviation interest among high school students and provides pathways to aviation careers. Additionally, it capitalizes on the diverse Air Force Junior ROTC cadet population (43% female, 57%