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The Plan in Depth

Scholarships: Investing in Students First

See the scholarships members can access right now, and the plan our eight directorates are building to grow them through 2027 to 2028.

Scholarship · $2,000 Flagship Award

Risner Resilience Scholarship

For members who've sustained excellence through serious personal, medical, financial, or family adversity.

Scholarship · $1,500 × 2 Awards

Aerospace & STEM Innovation Scholarship

For members pursuing aerospace, engineering, or other technical fields, or leading a STEM outreach project.

Scholarship · $1,000 × 3 Awards

National Service & Community Impact Scholarship

For measurable community service and civic contribution beyond squadron requirements.

Scholarship · $750 × 4 Awards

Rising Leader Scholarship

For high-potential members early in their AAS involvement.

Scholarship · 6 Awards

National Conclave Scholarship

Covers the full cost of attending National Conclave, open to any AAS student nationwide.

Proposed

Professional Internship

A professional internship to build career readiness beyond graduation — details still being finalized.

The Directorates

Eight Directors, One Mission

01

National Command

Improving the connection between squadron, region, and national leadership, so every member has the continuity and support to move AAS forward with confidence.

  • Strengthen Squadron-Region-National Communication — improve the flow of information between every level of leadership.
  • Expand National Staff Office Hours — a direct support system for every member, nationwide.
  • National Scholarship & Opportunity Access — a bigger national push to get scholarships and opportunities into every member's hands.

Target: scholarships and opportunities provided nationally up 50%+.

02

Operations

Organizing, coordinating, and executing squadron plans through managed event logistics and project timelines, so every region moves on the same rhythm.

  • National Training Team Plan — a synchronized plan to stabilize candidate program execution and keep instruction consistent nationwide.
  • Consistent Master Tracker — one standardized tracker for every squadron and region.
  • Operational Continuity Framework — structured timelines, agendas, and logistics templates for local events and service projects.

Target: 100% execution compliance on national staff objectives, every region.

03

Information Management

Making information easier to find, easier to navigate, and simple to pass up to leadership.

  • Master Document System — one regularly updated resource for membership status, dues clearance, and tracking.
  • AAS-SW Directory — a secure, real-time national roster bridging Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings.
  • Feedback Form — a permanent, anonymous way for squadrons to flag broken links or system issues.

Target: full records reorganized within 90 days; 95% staff registration within 60.

04

Public Affairs

Synchronizing our visual identity and using public relations as a tool for strategic growth.

  • Alumni "Where Are They Now" Series — a monthly feature on AAS alumni now serving in the Air Force, Space Force, and civilian careers.
  • National Media Kit — one standardized digital kit for every squadron by October 2027.
  • Squadron Spotlight — a biweekly feature highlighting grassroots service projects nationwide.

Target: 8+ alumni features, 10+ squadrons spotlighted, engagement up 20%.

05

Training

Forging a national training culture that builds critical thinkers and resilient leaders, rooted in AAS tradition.

  • Standardized National Training Curriculum — one tiered framework every squadron can run, so every candidate gets the same foundation.
  • Leadership Under Pressure Simulations — high-pressure, time-critical scenarios that build real decision-making.
  • Traditions & Heritage Program — a formal module on AAS history and its Air Force roots.
  • Region-to-Region Mentorship Network — pairing new candidates with experienced members and alumni across regions.

Target: 80%+ squadron adoption, 500+ active mentorship pairings.

06

Support

Building a community where every member feels recognized, supported, and set up to succeed without burning out.

  • Award Excellence Program — a standardized guide and workshops to help squadrons submit stronger award packages.
  • Virtual Morale Events — regular movie and game nights that keep AAS connected nationwide.
  • Fostering Mentorship — connecting candidates with active members, alumni, and military professionals.

Target: 5+ morale/mentorship events each semester, award applications up 18%.

07

Joint Relations

Deepening our connection to AAS's past while growing what's ahead — stronger Silver Wings ties and a bigger role for our alumni.

  • Joint Expansion Strategy — working nationwide with Silver Wings leadership to open new chapters.
  • Expansion of Alumni Fund and Scholarships — growing the resources available to members through our alumni network.
  • Alumni Engagement Initiative — meet-and-greet panels and AFSC-specific discussions with alumni.

Target: 10% more chapters nationwide, 10+ NATCON trips fully funded.

08

Financial Management

Building a financially sustainable, transparent AAS that invests directly in member development and expands scholarship access.

  • National Financial Resource Hub — one central home for budget templates, continuity documents, and best practices.
  • Financial Development Program — recurring training for Regional and Squadron Financial Management Officers.
  • NATCON Scholarships Expansion — growing the funds available to reduce financial barriers to attending National Conclave.

Target: 100% quarterly financial reporting, NATCON scholarship funding up 15–20%.

Back the Bid

This plan runs on your support

Every contribution funds the training, service, and travel that turn students into leaders, here in California and across the country.