Preparing Leaders with the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) provides a citizenship, character, and leadership development program for high school students. It is a cooperative effort between Howard County Public School System, the U.S. Army (at Atholton High School and Howard High School), and the U.S. Air Force (at Oakland Mills High School).
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Developing Leaders
JROTC instruction prepares students in grades 9-12 for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens through rigorous instruction and hands-on activities.
Service Learning projects are an integral part of JROTC instruction and are included throughout the school year. Students learn about the value of serving others as they design and carry out their projects.
JROTC prepares students for life and they are not under any obligation to join the military. However, if they choose to further their interest in the military, satisfactory completion of the JROTC program can lead to advanced placement credit in the Senior ROTC program (college level) or advanced rank in any of the Armed Forces.
See our Staff Focus on Chief Master Sergeant Donald Felch, JROTC Aerospace Science Instructor at Oakland Mills High School.
Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
“To Motivate Young People to Be Better Citizens.”
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
“Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.”
Program Objectives
JROTC instruction supports the school system’s focus on increasing the number of students who graduate ready for college and careers.
Leadership & Integrity
- Develop citizenship, character, and leadership.
- Serve their school and community and promote community service.
- Graduate and pursue meaningful careers
Essential Life Skills
- Foster goal-setting abilities and a positive self-image.
- Improve physical fitness.
Effective Career Skills
- Work as team members and learn to treat others with respect.
- Communicate effectively.
Participating Schools
JROTC is available at the following three schools. Students at other schools may apply. Space is limited.
Atholton High
410-313-7065
6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD 21044
Principal – Robert Motley
JROTC Instructor – LTC (USA, Retired) William Reinhart, Senior Army Instructor, william_reinhart@hcpss.org
Army
Howard High
410-313-2867
8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Principal – Nick Novak
JROTC Instructor – LTC (USA, Retired) Patricia Marshall, Senior Army Instructor, patricia_marshall@hcpss.org
Army
Oakland Mills High
410-313-6945
9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, MD 21045
Principal – Jeffrey Fink
JROTC Instructor – Donald E. Felch, CMSgt, USAF (Ret), Air Force Instructor, donald_felch@hcpss.org
Air Force
How to Participate in JROTC
Please note that some schools may require a written application essay or other pre-interview materials.
Schedule an Interview
Students must contact a JROTC official at school of interest to schedule an interview and submit an application if required.
The interest period for the 2020-2021 school year is now closed.
Complete the Interview
Students will be interviewed by the JROTC instructor at their school of interest.
Register
Distribution of the approval/denial/waitlist letters will follow interviews.
If accepted into a program, students must contact the registrar office.