Community and STEM

Artist’s rendering of WGS-11+ — Community and STEM

Space Systems Command offers STEM and community engagement opportunities to foster awareness and understanding of the U.S. Space Force as well as to build the next generation of space innovators. We offer interactive experiences where students and community groups can learn about space, rockets, and satellites from volunteer Guardians, Airmen, and space industry professionals.

SCHOOL VISITS
BASE VISITS
STEM NIGHTS
MENTORING AND EVENT SPEAKERS
INTERNSHIPS AND EARLY EMPLOYMENT

The SSC STEM program coordinates in-school visits for grades K through eight led by Guardian and Airmen volunteers who help students build paper rockets and launch them with USSF-designed pneumatic air launchers. Visits last one to three hours and are focused on under-served and Title 1 schools in Los Angeles and Brevard counties.

Visits to Los Angeles Air Force Base, home of Space Systems Command headquarters, offer a behind-the-scenes introduction to military space, rockets, and satellites for grades K through 12. Visits last 3 to 5 hours and are focused on underserved schools and/or JROTC cadets.

The SSC STEM team, along with Guardian and Airmen volunteers, support local school STEM and STEAM nights across Los Angeles. They provide models of satellites and rockets, engage students in STEM activities, and demonstrate the missions of SSC.

Volunteer Guardians and Airmen mentor student teams (including robotics and science camps) or speak at military events and STEM related programs, encouraging the students in their efforts and to further their education.

Paid college internships, STEM scholarships, and recent-graduate fellowships are available through the Department of War and the Air Force Civilian Service.

•Palace Acquire (PAQ) is a paid, full-time, two to three-year training program for post-college graduates interested in science and engineering, financial management, cyber/IT, civil engineering, intel and others. https://afciviliancareers.com/recentgraduates/#paq-cop

•Premiere College Internship Program (PCIP) is a structured summer internship offering college students hands-on experience and direct exposure to career opportunities within the AFCS. https://afciviliancareers.com/pcip-onboarding/

•SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. Learn more. https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart

•Access additional Space Force internship opportunities here. View the federal government's internship portal here.