mathematics ( STEM ) concepts are also an important part of this world-class program .”
The AFJROTC program is open to students in 9th through 12th grade , is a citizenship program and not chartered as a recruiting program for military service . Those students who participate in AFJROTC do not incur any obligation to the Air Force or other branch of service .
The AFJROTC curriculum is comprised of 40 percent aerospace science , 40 percent leadership education and 20 percent health and wellness for life training . All students who successfully complete AFJROTC classes are granted credit toward graduation . Classroom study includes the heritage of flight , principles of aircraft flight and navigation , human requirements of flight , development of aerospace power , aerospace vehicles , rocketry , space and technology programs and the aerospace industry . Students are also introduced to military customs and courtesies , citizenship in the United States , first aid , wellness , health and fitness , basic drill and ceremonies , effective communications , management , human relations and life after high school . All uniforms , curriculum materials , and numerous other items are provided financially by the Air Force to include partial reimbursement of the instructor ’ s salary .
To reinforce what ’ s learned in the classroom , cadets participate in many outside-the-classroom co-curricular activities such as field trips to military bases , aerospace facilities and industries , museums , civilian airports and other areas related to aerospace education . The Norwin cadets have enjoyed trips to the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton , OH ; Pentagon and Aviation Museums in Washington , D . C .; and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base in New York . “ This year ’ s curriculum-in-action field trip will be to Kennedy Space Center and Disney ’ s Leadership Strategies Seminar in Orlando , FL ,” says Sandala .
“ Community service is a major part of the cadet experience and helps instill a sense of civic pride and citizenship ,” he continues . “ Each year , cadets worldwide complete more than 1.6 million hours of community service . To date , Norwin cadets have completed more than 500 events , totaling over 8.5K community service hours .”
AFJROTC cadets who choose to continue their education may receive special consideration for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships . Many of these scholarships will pay for two , three or four years of tuition , books and fees at numerous universities and colleges and allow cadets to pursue studies in various technical and nontechnical majors . Currently there ’ s one cadet from Norwin attending the Air Force Academy and several have received ROTC scholarships at Penn State and Slippery Rock .
Additionally , cadets electing to enter the military immediately after graduating from high school are eligible to enlist in the services at one to two pay grades higher than other enlistees . Students completing three years in AFJROTC are eligible to enter the Air Force two pay grades higher than other enlistees , and are automatically enrolled into the Community College of the Air Force to receive college credit toward an associate degree .
School districts that want an AFJROTC program enter into a contract with the Air Force , according to Title 10 U . S . Code . The Norwin unit maintains close ties with local civic and military organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce , Rotary , VFW , and American Legion . Additionally , it coordinates with over 20 different national organizations that sponsor exceptional cadets with decorations during an annual awards ceremony .
“ In the years to come , we plan to continue to proactively pursue community service opportunities and promote the program within the district to ensure all potential students fully understand the program benefits ,” says Sandala . “ Recruiting and retention are key aspects to ensure the program ’ s future and security for a long time to come .”
The AFJROTC classroom is located in Norwin High School — room 128 , and meets 1st , 2nd , 3rd , 4th , 8th and 9th periods from 7 a . m . to 2:16 p . m ., Monday through Friday . For more information , email Lieutenant Colonel David Sandala at dsandala @ norwinsd . org . ■
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