U.S. Air Force Academy seeks local families to host, mentor cadets

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is looking for local families to open their homes to cadets through its Cadet Sponsor Program, which connects future Air Force and Space Force officers with community members who can provide support throughout their time at the Academy.

USAFA says that each summer more than 1,000 young men and women arrive at the Academy, many far from home, making the sponsor program an opportunity for local families to offer mentorship beyond the formal Academy environment.

According to officials, cadets are matched with sponsors based on shared interests whenever possible, and cadets usually remain with the same sponsor family throughout their time at the Academy.

Those who are not ready to commit to the full program can instead participate in Basic Cadet Day Out on July 25, says USAFA.

Those interested in hosting a cadet for Basic Cadet Day Out must register by July 1 by emailing the Cadet Sponsor Office at cadet.sponsor@afacademy.af.edu. Current sponsors who wish to participate must also confirm their status by the deadline.

To become a cadet sponsor, applicants must:

• Complete the online sponsor application.
• Submit a family introduction letter.
• Provide two letters of recommendation if they are not affiliated with the military.
• Live within 50 miles of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Be at least 28 years old.
• Pass a background check.

For additional information or to apply to the Cadet Sponsor Program, click here.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.