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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