The Community Partnership Program (CPP) is a major component of the KMC STEM Ecosystem designed to connect both military and civilian Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with DoDEA teachers to help enhance instruction.  This program of connectedness is managed through the Adopt-a-Pro mentorship portal.

Community members volunteer their support by registering in one of 32 CTE disciplines and programs.  Volunteers self-rate themselves among major course competencies.  Volunteers also identify the type of service they wish to support, such as virtual mentorship, co-teaching, project support or guest speaking. 

Teachers identify instructional support requirement and define selection criterial to obtain a list of competency aligned volunteers together with their contact information.

Non-profit partners of the Community Partnership Program include AFCEA Chapter 158, AFA Chapter 507 and the Society of American Mechanical Engineers (SAME).  

The AFA Near Space Challenge is a regional STEM competition having an atmospheric inquiry focus.  Student teams compete against each other as they design, develop and integrate science experiments into a styrofoam pod to be placed into the upper atmosphere.

Registered teams of 5-7 students will receive a FREE flight package consisting of a styrofoam pod, two cameras, Rapsberry Pi computer,  pod accessories, and a $150 check for experiment supplies and incidentals.

Not only is the NSC completely free, but each team receives a courtesy start-up kit (worth $300) and a chance to win individual medals as well as the coveted AFA Europe Near Space Challenge Cup!

Teams are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Project Management

• Scientific Research

• System Integration

• Digital Design