The Marine Corp Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Northeast Magnet High School focuses on citizenship and leadership, not military skills. JROTC’s mission is to “Motivate young people to be better citizens” and to develop the future leaders of our homes and community. The military format of JROTC allows our students to take the leadership lessons of the classroom and apply them in practice. We don’t just tell students what leaders do; they are placed into leadership positions and given the opportunity to be successful.

Key highlights of the program include the following:

• National recognition - Our program was recently recognized as a Naval Honor School in recognition of exemplary performance during 2019-2020. In addition, senior student Cadet Colonel Peter Porcaro received the JROTC Marine Corps Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement Award in December 2020. He is the first Wichita cadet to receive this distinction since the district’s JROTC program began in 2000.
• Student success – 61% of JROTC students have a B average or better. With study skills and test taking as part of the curriculum, nearly all JROTC students improve their academic performance.
• Focus on skills and values - Our instructional approach is unique. Much of our curriculum is not teaching; it’s training with a focus on skills, values and hands-on experiences.
• Sense of belonging - Multiple studies have shown that high school students who are engaged and involved do better both academically and emotionally. JROTC provides students this place to belong.
• Extracurricular activities - JROTC students are among the busiest on campus as they support school and community events. Our Drill, Color Guard and Raider teams compete throughout the region allowing participating cadets to earn Varsity letters. The Academic and Leadership teams compete against other programs across the nation.
• Dressing for success - JROTC students wear a uniform one day a week and when participating in special events. Our program supplies all uniforms, books and any equipment the course requires at no cost.

While our program introduces students to the military, students participating in the JROTC program will not be encouraged to enlist and will have no obligation to join the military after high school. Should a student be interested in military service, participation in our program can give them an advantage if they decide to enlist by providing for immediate promotion once they graduate from Initial Entry Training.

How to participate:

New students interested in joining the Northeast JROTC program must apply through the Magnet lotery application. The deadline for the 2021-22 academic year is Friday, January 29. Visit the Magnet office website to complete an application.