By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — The United States Space Force is launching Guardian Spark, a new annual outreach program that connects Guardians with students in grades 3 to 12 to share the mission, people and opportunities behind the nation’s newest military service.
Through classroom presentations, question-and-answer sessions and age-appropriate discussions, Guardians will introduce students to space-related careers, explain how the Space Force contributes to national security and daily life, and inspire interest in the wide range of skills, career paths and opportunities that support its mission. Through direct engagement with space professionals, the program sparks lifelong curiosity and passion for space exploration, astronomy, space technologies and more.
“Bringing Guardians into classrooms across the country is a meaningful opportunity to engage with students and communities,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “Through Guardian Spark, Guardians can share their experiences, demonstrate how space affects everyday life, and inspire young Americans to join the next generation of space leaders, innovators and problem-solvers.”
The inaugural Guardian Spark campaign will run from Nov. 9 through Dec. 20, 2026, culminating with the Space Force’s birthday. Guardians can volunteer to support through Oct. 16, 2026.
The program is designed to reach classrooms nationwide, including Department of War Education Activity school locations overseas. For 2026, the Space Force aims to engage at least 250 classrooms, reach 7,500 students and mobilize 200 volunteer Guardians. The program will also seek educator feedback and use optional student polls to assess awareness of Space Force roles.
Guardian Spark supports educators and students by creating direct connections with space professionals. Sessions will be tailored to elementary, middle and high school audiences, with Guardians sharing their experiences and answering students’ questions about space operations, technology and service.
The Guardian Spark program is coordinated by the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Outreach Office. Participating Guardians will receive standardized talking points and complete required outreach training before engaging with schools. Educators and schools will coordinate classroom logistics and student participation with the program office.
