Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee State University welcomed 40 Civil Air Patrol cadets from across the country this week for the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy, a hands-on STEM experience that’s become a summer tradition in Murfreesboro.

From piloting lunar rovers built by MTSU’s Experimental Vehicles Program to flying simulators at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, cadets immersed themselves in engineering, aerospace, and science. They also explored the MTSU MakerSpace, visited the Dairy Farm in Lascassas, and toured the Horse Science program at Miller Coliseum.

“This school is brilliant. The moon buggies always bring smiles,” said Cadet Commander Andrew Higgins, 19, of Maryland, attending for his third year.

Cadets hailed from over 20 states—including Hawaii—and were selected through a competitive process. Activities spanned departments in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, with sessions in biology, chemistry, data science, and ROTC marksmanship.

“I’ve learned so much and stepped out of my comfort zone,” said Deputy Commander Ava Zendejas, 15, of Washington. “The aerospace opportunities and STEM options are amazing.”

Local cadets from Smyrna and Paris, Tennessee, joined the ranks, including 16-year-old Joseph Taylor, who hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The week culminates with a graduation ceremony Friday evening at McCallie Dining Hall, following a leadership seminar led by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives.

“MTSU is incredibly supportive,” said CAP historian Col. Larry Trick. “Nearly all of these cadets dream of becoming pilots.”

The university has hosted the academy since 2017, continuing a partnership with CAP that dates back to 2014. For more on the program, visit Civil Air Patrol’s official academy page or MTSU News coverage.

Middle Tennessee State University welcomed 40 Civil Air Patrol cadets from across the country this week for the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy, a hands-on STEM experience that’s become a summer tradition in Murfreesboro.

From piloting lunar rovers built by MTSU’s Experimental Vehicles Program to flying simulators at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, cadets immersed themselves in engineering, aerospace, and science. They also explored the MTSU MakerSpace, visited the Dairy Farm in Lascassas, and toured the Horse Science program at Miller Coliseum.

“This school is brilliant. The moon buggies always bring smiles,” said Cadet Commander Andrew Higgins, 19, of Maryland, attending for his third year.

Cadets hailed from over 20 states—including Hawaii—and were selected through a competitive process. Activities spanned departments in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, with sessions in biology, chemistry, data science, and ROTC marksmanship.

“I’ve learned so much and stepped out of my comfort zone,” said Deputy Commander Ava Zendejas, 15, of Washington. “The aerospace opportunities and STEM options are amazing.”

Local cadets from Smyrna and Paris, Tennessee, joined the ranks, including 16-year-old Joseph Taylor, who hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The week culminates with a graduation ceremony Friday evening at McCallie Dining Hall, following a leadership seminar led by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives.

“MTSU is incredibly supportive,” said CAP historian Col. Larry Trick. “Nearly all of these cadets dream of becoming pilots.”

The university has hosted the academy since 2017, continuing a partnership with CAP that dates back to 2014. For more on the program, visit Civil Air Patrol’s official academy page or MTSU News coverage.