JROTC Inside Edition

Speaking with Mr. Luke Wright, Director, Area 6, Marine Corps JROTC, inspired me to highlight several key ways instructors can support cadets who aspire to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. His insights reinforced the importance of early preparation, academic excellence, and personal discipline as cadets explore military and postsecondary pathways.

JROTC instructors play a vital role in helping cadets prepare for their postsecondary goals, including those who aspire to join the U.S. Armed Forces. By guiding cadets through key areas of readiness, instructors can help them make informed decisions and increase their chances of success in the branch of their choice.

1. Encourage Research and Career Exploration

Support cadets in learning about the missions, values, and requirements of each branch of service. Help them understand that every service has unique job fields and entry standards. For instance, a cadet interested in medical careers should know that the Marine Corps does not have a dedicated medical occupational field. Encourage cadets to speak with recruiters or service members working in their desired field.

2. Prepare Cadets for the ASVAB

The ASVAB is a critical step for enlistment and determines job eligibility. Guide cadets in setting score goals for their desired career paths and connecting with teachers in math, English, or science to improve in needed areas. Partnering with school counselors and academic staff can help create structured support for ASVAB preparation.

3. Emphasize Physical Readiness

Remind cadets that JROTC participation does not automatically ensure they meet fitness or height and weight standards. Encourage them to adopt a regular workout routine and set measurable fitness goals. Promoting health, nutrition, and physical training habits in class can help cadets meet or exceed entry-level military fitness standards.

4. Guide Cadets Pursuing Officer Pathways

Cadets aiming for ROTC scholarships, military academies, or college-based commissioning programs will need competitive ACT or SAT scores. Reinforce the importance of strong academics, leadership experience, and community service. Remind them that all commissioned officers in U.S. military services must be U.S. citizens.

Cadets look to their instructors for mentorship and direction. By emphasizing research, academics, fitness, and leadership development, instructors can ensure every cadet is prepared—whether they choose enlistment, ROTC, or a service academy route.

All things worth having are uphill, but with your guidance, cadets will be ready for the climb.

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Tyese Sims

I want to highlight three major events that will be coming up in the next few weeks.

First and foremost, I want to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your selfless service to this great nation. There are a lot of cliches about the service that each of you performed, but just because they may be cliches, doesn't mean that they are not absolutely true. You now continue to provide service to this country, this community and this program every day and are truly appreciated. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of young people. That is something to be proud of and I am honored to be working with you.

We have two big events that will provide opportunities for our cadets to demonstrate what you have worked so hard to instill in them. The Citywide Sports Challenge will provide them the ability to demonstrate leadership, drive, teamwork, integrity and sportsmanship. Winning matters, but so does the manner in which we compete to win. Make sure to take time this coming week to discuss how to compete with honor and win or lose with grace.

On 11/22/25, the Illinois State Tuition Waiver Fall event will happen. Please ensure that your senior cadets are aware of this awesome opportunity to compete for scholarships that can make the difference in their future. Remember that it is not only about the physical prowess of the individual, but also their character, demonstrated knowledge, skills and drive that makes a great candidate.

Respectfully Submitted,

LTC Zimmerle

I could not allow the week to come to a close without thanking each and every one of you for your continued service! I say continued service because you still embody so many of the values and habits you held while enlisted. You still rise at the crack of dawn. You still wear your uniform with pride and distinction. You still live by the military way of life and you pour those same intangibles into the lives of our young generation. In many cases, you’re providing more structure, consistency, and mentorship in your classrooms and programs than some cadets may experience elsewhere. That impact is powerful.

I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the work being done across our programs. During my school visits and observations, I’ve witnessed firsthand the respect, discipline, and courtesy our cadets display. This is clear evidence of your leadership and influence.

Thank you for everything you do. Your work is valuable and deeply impactful. Enjoy the upcoming holiday and take time to rest and recharge. The school year is a marathon, not a sprint.

With Sincere Appreciation,

MAJ Striverson

https://cofcontests.com/

• November 01, 2025 - November 20, 2025

• Required for all Army JROTC programs

Commanders ensure that expectations are met in the hallways!

Hello JROTC Leaders,

As you know, CSU has an ROTC program and is excited to partner more with us! I wanted to make sure you have this flyer to share out with your schools for the Men's Game at CSU on Dec 1 at 11:00. I attended the Women's Game yesterday (and got honored!) and it was a blast with the game, band, dance and cheer! The Athletic Director is having HS bands join for games to perform too and I also thought of our drumlines and drill teams! I thought this would be a great opportunity to connect!

I would love to see HSs there!

--

Megan Hougard

Chief

College and Career Success

42 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602

T (773) 553-3903 E Mjhougard@cps.edu

You and your colleagues are invited to attend a U.S. Naval Academy Lunch & Learn Session - an opportunity to learn about the Naval Academy, our student experience, and the admissions process. You will also be able to get your questions answered by an Admissions staff member during the session and learn about our fly-in (no cost) visitation program for counselors, educators, and community based organization leaders. These one hour sessions are not intended for students, but similar events are being conducted for them and their parents in the coming weeks.

Registration is not required to participate, but encouraged so we can inform you of the different topics that will be covered (each week will have the same topic on Wednesday and Friday) during each session and send reminder messages about these events.

REGISTER ME

Dates/Times

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
3:00 PM ET
Friday, November 14, 2025
12:00 PM ET (Noon)
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
3:00 PM ET
Friday, November 21, 2025
12:00 PM ET (Noon)
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
3:00 PM ET
Friday, December 5, 2025
12:00 PM ET (Noon)
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
3:00 PM ET
Friday, December 12, 2025
12:00 PM ET (Noon)

The same Google Meet link will be used for every session but topics will vary each week. To participate, simply click the button below on the date and time of your preferred session.

JOIN SESSION

U.S. Naval Academy Students:

• Receive a full scholarship including tuition, room, board, and health insurance plus are paid a monthly stipend and have military benefits while enrolled
• Are guaranteed employment upon graduation as commissioned officers in the Navy or Marine Corps
• Receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the #1 ranked public school in the nation (according to U.S. News & World Report)

The Chicago Veteran Standdown is looking for volunteers. The event will occur at the Illinois National Guard Armory (See Below). Website link (https://www.chicagostanddown.org/).

The goal is to engage with veterans in our community who are currently experiencing housing instability or homelessness with resources and services. This goal is where the group could use your support. They are in need volunteers for this two-day event to help with critical areas, ensuring engagement with as many veterans as possible. If you are interested in volunteering. Please email Mr. Lopez with the following details (below), and he will add you to the volunteer roster.

Chicago Veteran Standdown: Friday, November 14th, 2025. Illinois National Guard Armory. 1551 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60651 (8 am-2 pm)

Volunteers are needed for the following…

• Thursday, the 13th, to set up and stage items (8 am-4 pm)

• Friday, the 14th, for the distribution of items and breakdown (8 am-until complete)

To sign up…..

As an individual:

Full name:

Email:

Phone Number:

Date/s you would like to volunteer:

As a Group:

Point of Contact Full Name:

Name of Organization or Company:

Address of Company:

Number of People in the group attending (Each day)

Contact:

Alberto Lopez

Specialist

Center for Development and Civic Engagement

Jesse Brown VAMC (135)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

820 S. Damen Ave.

Chicago, IL 60612

Office: 312.569.6327 | Cell: 224.706.4323

Email: alberto.lopez@va.gov

Who Can Apply?

You’re eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship:

• High School: After completion of your junior year

• College: At any participating school

High School Applicants

Start Your Application:

1. Create an account and log in to the [Scholarship Application Portal].

2. Locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most have prior service and understand the process.

Important Dates:

• Round 01: Due October 13, 2025 → Review: Oct 20–24, 2025

• Round 02: Due January 19, 2026 → Review: Jan 26–30, 2026

• Round 03: Due March 16, 2026 → Review: Mar 23–27, 2026

💡 Applications must be started by March 4, 2026 to be eligible for review for the 2025–2026 school year.

Your ROTC Scholarship Obligation

• Accepting the ROTC scholarship carries a future Army service obligation of 8 years (active duty and/or Army Reserve or National Guard).

• Some students may serve part-time while pursuing a civilian career.

• Scholarship recipients may exit the program after freshman year without obligation.

Requirements to Join:

To be eligible for an ROTC scholarship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be 17–30 in your year of commissioning

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Maintain a 2.50 unweighted GPA (high school applicants)

• Have taken the SAT or ACT

• Pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT)

• Meet physical weight and height standards

• Agree to accept a commission in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard

USMA Admissions Timeline

Junior Year of High School

• Feb. 15 - USMA application opens, including SLE application
• March 15 - SLE application priority review deadline
• April 15 - SLE application final deadline
• Spring Semester - Begin training for Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
• Spring Semester - Begin working on the Candidate Checklist
• Spring Semester - Check nomination deadlines for Congressperson and Senators

Find your Congressional Representative or Senator.

Summer Break

• First Week in June - SLE Session I
• Second Week in June - SLE Session II
• After July 1 - Begin the medical exam process

Explore what SLE has to offer.

Senior Year of High School

• Fall - Apply for nominations
• Fall - Take Candidate Fitness Assessment
• January 31 - Candidate Checklist deadline
• July 1-April 1 - Complete medical exam

Steps for

Admission

You can begin the application process as early as your Junior year in high school and we encourage the earlier the better! These steps will provide all the information you need to know about our application requirements and our admissions process.

• 1. Confirm Eligibility
• 2. Preliminary Application
• 3. Apply for Nomination
• 4. College Entrance Exams
• 5. Transcript
• 6. Medical Examination
• 7. Candidate Fitness Assessment
• 8. Interview
• 9. Admission Selection Process & Deadlines

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the United States Naval Academy if you meet the following criteria:

• A United States Citizen by 1 July of the year of entry
• At least 17 years of age and must not have passed 23rd birthday on 1 July of the year of entry
• Unmarried
• Not pregnant and no dependents
• Have a valid Social Security Number (If you do not have a Social Security number you can apply for a card here https://www.ssa.gov)

If you are in high school but are not old enough to apply, you can register with USNA to receive information about our Summer Programs.

Admissions Cycle

Staying on Track

The United States Air Force Academy admissions cycle helps students manage their applications efficiently. The process consists of pre-candidate and candidate phases. To get a general picture of important dates in the Academy’s annual admissions cycle, see below.

March 3–December 31

The Pre-candidate Questionnaire (PCQ) opens March 3 of a student’s junior year. This is the first step in the application process. The deadline to submit a PCQ is December 31 of the student’s senior year.

July 15–January 31

Upon completion of the Pre-candidate Questionnaire, all pre-candidates will receive correspondence with guidance and next steps for the application process. U.S. Air Force Academy uses rolling deadlines whereby specific deadlines are posted on each applicant’s portal. All items must be completed by the deadline posted.

December 1–January 15

Summer Seminar applications open for rising seniors on December 1. The last day to start a new application is January 10. The Summer Seminar deadline is January 15 with no extensions or late applications accepted.

January

College Admissions Tests (ACT and SAT) must be taken by this time for the results to arrive at the Admissions Office by mid-February for current applicants. Test scores must be official and sent from the respective testing authority (ACT and College Board).

February–April

Applications are reviewed and the majority of appointments are offered during this time.

April

Most candidates who completed an application will know their admissions status by this time. All notifications will be made through a student’s application portal.

May 1

National College Decision Day

June

U.S. Air Force Academy class enters. Summer Seminar sessions take place.

Admission Requirements

The Coast Guard Academy is ranked among the nation’s elite undergraduate colleges. This is reflected in our highly selective admission process, which annually admits about 300 cadets from thousands of applicants.

Unlike the other federal service academies, the Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.

Deadlines

• Early Action: 15 October
• Regular Admission (U.S. citizens): 15 January
• International Admission: See https://www.uscga.edu/admission-and-tuition

Required/supplemental forms and standardized test scores will be accepted for 14 days after the deadlines above.

To be considered for admission you must submit a complete application by the deadline.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Coast Guard Academy if you are:

• A U.S. citizen of sound moral character
• Unmarried with no dependents or financial debt
• 17-22 years of age on last Monday in June
• A high school graduate or GED recipient (or will be prior to entry)

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may want to consider applying to be an International Cadet.

Online Application

The initial application data allows us to start a file on you.

Essays

Essays are available online as part of the online application.

Required Forms

Forms are available online as you complete the online application.

• High school transcript(s)
• Math instructor letter of recommendation
• English instructor letter of recommendation
• High school counselor letter of recommendation
• Physical Fitness Examination Form (PFE)

Medical Exam

Though not required for review of your application, a qualifying DoDMERB Medical Exam must be on file before an appointment to the Academy can be offered.

Supplemental Information

• Résumé (optional)
• Standardized test scores (required)
• Up to two extra letters of recommendation (optional)
• Commanding Officer recommendation (if currently serving in the military)
• College transcripts (if you are or were in college)

SAT/ACT

Submit as follows:

• Self-report by uploading your score reports in the Personal Statements section of the online application (required)
• Via your high school transcript (optional)
• Via your Guidance Office (optional)
• Through the College Board or ACT (recommended)

To send your scores from the testing agency, contact College Board or ACT, or list the Academy code when you take the test. Our SAT code is 5807 and our ACT code is 0600. Please visit the College Board or ACT websites to register.

SAT

ACT

Application Downloadable Forms and Documents

• Application Handbook
• PFE Scoring Form
• PFE Scoring Table
• PFE Manual – Please check back
• College Transcript Request

Interview

Admissions may request to interview applicants and prospective applicants in order to best meet your needs and the Academy’s enrollment goals. If so, a representative of Admissions will contact you. If selected for an interview, participation is required. The format of the interview – online, by phone, or face-to-face – will be based on the mutual consent of all parties, with health and safety the paramount concern.

ONS Dashboard

Complete Attestations in Aspen (daily)

Recruitment and Retention Plan—developed in coordination with school administration by November 15, 2025. Upload to shared folder which will be provided.

Link to JROTC Control Panel

Dr. Tyese Sims - Executive Director
LTC Steven Zimmerle - Director of Military Instruction

MAJ Michael Striverson - Deputy Director of Military Instruction

MAJ Lancelot Lashley - Logistics Manager

CSM Ricardo Medina - Instructional Specialist

SFC Loretta Cunningham - Instructional Specialist

MSG Cleris Heggs - Hiring Manager

Kurt Jackson - Operations Manager

Shaward Singleton - Sr. Inventory Management Clerk

Marcus Thomas - Inventory Management Clerk

Website: https://www.chicagojrotc.com/
Location: 145 S. Campbell Chicago, IL 60612
Instagram: CPSJROTC

Twitter: @CPSJROTC