Support the CCLD
The United States Air Force Academy defines character as “One’s moral compass, the sum of those qualities of moral excellence which compel a person to do the right thing despite pressure or temptations to the contrary.”
Give nowThe Center for Character and Leadership Development facilitates programs and activities throughout all aspects of cadet life to help these future officers develop an enduring internal moral compass. The center’s activities and initiatives are firmly focused on building leaders of character to serve as officers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force who consistently practice the virtues embodied in the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.
CCLD cadet programs
Adventure Based Learning
Cadets hone their skills as leaders and followers outdoors in situations requiring grit, critical thinking and interpersonal relations through the Adventure Based Learning program. Private funding supports these leadership experiences by providing camping, hiking and climbing equipment over and above the minimum required equipment supplied by appropriated funds.
Cadet Wing Leadership Experiences (Cadet Clubs)
From soccer to physics to combat shooting, more than 100 cadet clubs provide leadership and character-building experiences that enhance military training, academic excellence and athletic development. Cadets represent the Air Force Academy in local, regional and national-level competitions. Funding is needed to provide for transportation, lodging, registration, entry fees, equipment, uniforms, training and coaching expenses, guest speaker fees, awards events and related club expenses.
Graduate Scholarships
Privately funded graduate scholarships enable a limited number of cadets to pursue master’s degrees at various institutions and in a variety of academic disciplines after graduating from the Air Force Academy. These advanced degrees give new Air Force officers opportunities to broaden their knowledge and lay a firm foundation for successful careers in the Air Force, Space Force and beyond.
Journal of Character and Leadership Development and CCLD Research
The Journal of Character and Leadership Development is published by the CCLD to provide thought leadership and research in the field of character and leadership advancement through in-depth articles, interviews, book reviews and scholarly discussions of cutting edge issues.
The journal does not receive government funding for personnel beyond oversight. An endowment would fund the editor-in-chief’s salary as well as publication costs and occasional editor travel for interviews.
National Character and Leadership Symposium
The annual National Character and Leadership Symposium brings together distinguished scholars and military leaders to the Acadmey to motivate and equip cadets for honorable living and effective leadership. The two-day symposium provides an opportunity for all Academy personnel, visiting university students and faculty, and community members to experience dynamic speakers and take part in group discussions to enhance their own understanding of the importance of sound moral character and good leadership.
