Recognizing that a new series of institutes required strong sponsorship and that time was needed to solicit this sponsorship, Christ asked Captain Andy Stricker, Director of the USAF Academy's Learning Center if he would consider asking the Academy to sponsor an interim institute. Thus, the Twelfth Institute was held in summer, 1990, at the USAF Academy sponsored by the Learning Skills Center of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) through the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. The Director of the Institute was Diane Nicoletta,  Assistant Director of the USAF Learning Skills Center. Among the 44 participants were representatives from the four major military  academies (USAFA, USMA, USNA, and USCGA), two other military schools (NMMI and the Citadel), as well as from 23 community colleges and universities. The welcome remarks were given by Brigadier General E. Royer, Dean of Faculty, USAFA. The program consisted of ten general presentations, separate panel sessions on the future role of learning skills centers in community colleges, universities, and the military academies, a panel session on community Right to Read programs, tours of the USAF Academy and the Learning Skills Center, and evening dinner events. Eight mentors held mentor group breakfast meetings and daily mentor group sessions. Both mentor activities, now established traditions at Winter Institutes, began at this institute.        

     As a result of the 12th Annual Institute for Learning Assistance  Professionals, the military participants developed a charter for a spin-off academic group--the Military Learning Assistance Board (M-Lab). Its mission statement reflects a dedication to enhancing the potential of all cadets and midshipmen admitted to any highly competitive environment. Since the board's focus is to communicate regularly about student programs, services, and assessment, M-LAB has created its own special institutes which have subsequently convened at the Coast Guard Academy, The Citadel, West Point, and Annapolis.    

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