As high school progresses, students are increasingly faced with a pressing question: “What will I do next?” These years are a critical time for career exploration, when students are open to a variety of possibilities but often unsure which path to pursue. Being introduced to a career of interest at this young age can inspire students and set them on the road to success.
For many students, success lies in a career related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), especially with the growing demand for these jobs. That’s why we’re committed to helping students across the country become more aware of, interested in, and prepared for STEM careers through the JROTC STEM Leadership Academy.
With hands-on STEM curriculum and local industry visits, the academy not only introduces students to potential STEM careers, but it develops in them the skills they’ll need to succeed.
Hands-On Learning
Throughout the six-day academy, cadets participate in several design challenges, also called missions, across 4 curricula: STEM on the Ground, STEM in the Air, STEM on the Water, and Rooted in STEM. Cadets work together to complete tasks like building robots that can clear obstacle courses or move objects through water, as well as designing drones and experimenting with bioengineering.
The missions give students a chance to practice STEM skills in a fun, engaging environment that shows them how classroom knowledge can be put into action. As they complete the missions, students begin to see that they’re capable of excelling in this field and solving real-world problems.
These hands-on experiences also give students an opportunity to explore different STEM career paths and see how the skills they are developing can be applied beyond the classroom.
Building Soft Skills
Beyond building technical skills, the academy grows students’ soft skills, ensuring they’re well-prepared for whatever career they choose to pursue.
The missions grow students’ critical thinking skills by tasking them with solving a variety of problems. As they work in their teams to complete each mission, students learn to collaborate with one another, practicing both leading their peers and learning from them.
These skills can be especially valuable as students prepare for future STEM careers, where problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability are important.
In addition to mission-specific achievements, cadets can earn general achievements for recovering from a failure, working well as a team, and helping others. After each mission, cadets reflect on what they did well and how they can improve, teaching them to learn from their failures and successes.
Looking to the Future
To set cadets on the road to successful STEM careers, it’s important to show them where their hard work can lead. Often, students are unaware of the many opportunities available to them. We bridge that gap by visiting industry sites and inviting guest speakers to inspire and motivate the cadets.
In the past, the Academy has visited the U.S. Coast Guard, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and more. The visits allow students to glimpse into these jobs, sparking their interest in careers they may have never considered before. By interacting with industry professionals, students learn how they can follow in these professionals’ footsteps.
These experiences help students connect what they are learning through hands-on STEM education to real-world career opportunities. Seeing STEM professionals in action can help students better understand the many career pathways available to them.
After visiting Airbus at our Mobile academy in 2024, one cadet said, “Something that inspired me for my future during this week was being able to go to Airbus because I want to work with Airbus and with planes. Being able to see all of the planes and how you work with them really inspired me this week.”
Often, all a student needs to believe they can succeed is to meet and connect with someone who has succeeded before them. The personal interactions provided by our industry visits can make all the difference.
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