The U.S. Air Force has three Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. The Cadet Service Learning Program is designed to transform “service” from the theoretical concept of the classroom to actual experience. We hope to permanently instill in cadets the value of serving others, both as leader and follower.
This primarily cadet-run program averages roughly 35,000 hours of community service each year, and our young people have worked with literally hundreds of civic and non-profit organizations in the surrounding area. To name a few:
Big Brothers Big Sisters Buddy Brigade March of Dimes
Race for the Cure
Humane Society Colorado Springs Soup Kitchens Red Cross
…And the list goes on. Many cadets even donate their Spring Break "off time" to participate in Alternative Spring Break – cadets participating with Habitat for Humanity in surrounding states.
While our cadets would tell you service is first a calling and later a passion, they are rewarded for the extent of their efforts. Each year, the Airlift/Tanker Association presents the Core Values Trophy to the Cadet Squadron with the highest tally of participation, volunteer hours and events.
Why is CSL so important?
As we stated, one of the Air Force's three Core Values is Service Before Self. By participating in community service projects throughout their Academy experience, our cadets will ripen into Air Force officers committed to the voluntary service of others.
How does it benefit our cadets?
How does it benefit the community?
This primarily cadet-run program averages roughly 35,000 hours of community service each year, and our young people have worked with literally hundreds of civic and non-profit organizations in the surrounding area. To name a few:
Race for the Cure
Humane Society Colorado Springs Soup Kitchens Red Cross
…And the list goes on. Many cadets even donate their Spring Break "off time" to participate in Alternative Spring Break – cadets participating with Habitat for Humanity in surrounding states.
While our cadets would tell you service is first a calling and later a passion, they are rewarded for the extent of their efforts. Each year, the Airlift/Tanker Association presents the Core Values Trophy to the Cadet Squadron with the highest tally of participation, volunteer hours and events.
Why is CSL so important?
As we stated, one of the Air Force's three Core Values is Service Before Self. By participating in community service projects throughout their Academy experience, our cadets will ripen into Air Force officers committed to the voluntary service of others.
How does it benefit our cadets?
- The Academy is ultimately charged with commissioning leaders for the Air Force. Successful leaders must first know what it is to serve – willingly and with the whole heart. This program allows us to grow stronger, service-driven leaders.
- We cannot underestimate the tangible experiential benefits for cadets. They fill roles such as administrator, organizer and advocate…roles they will be asked to serve as commanders and responsible citizens.
- Along the way, they practice and hone vital interpersonal skills and professional qualities such as empathy, initiative and exercising judgment.
- Finally, each service project broadens their horizons, particularly in terms of diversity. The opportunity to work with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds, skill-sets and paradigms, teaches our future leaders to recognize the challenges and harness the benefits of diversity in the work environment.
How does it benefit the community?
- Cadet servants do just that: provide much needed services to the community and to those in need.
- By allowing cadets to participate in projects that benefit the community, they simultaneously strengthen the long-term relationship between the Air Force Academy and local citizens.
- Ideally, we hope our cadets' initiative will inspire others in the community to reach out and serve as well.
