MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Headquarters Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (HQ AFJROTC), uniting with Air University, the Holm Center and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, recently announced the winners of a first-ever, four-year college scholarship – The J-100 AFJROTC Character-in-Leadership Scholarship.
The J-100 identifies stellar high school senior cadets for the character and leadership that is embodied in AFJROTC and affords them the opportunity to compete for an invaluable commission as a United States Air Force or Space Force officer.
“I am honored to announce the names of the 100 cadets that were selected for 2021’s The J-100 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Character-in-Leadership Scholarship!” said Col. Stephen T. Sanders, Worldwide Director, Air Force Junior ROTC. “These exceptional young people were hand-selected by their senior aerospace instructors, passed a comprehensive initial qualitative review, and then were interviewed by a three-person panel made up of active duty officers and senior non-commissioned officers, and chaired by Head Quarters Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps civil servants.”
The Colonel extends his congratulations on behalf of HQ, and the Air University, Holm Center, and AFROTC commanders. “This is a significant accomplishment! I’m confident each and every one of these cadets will represent AFJROTC extremely well in all phases while pursuing a commission in the United States Air Force at their new AFROTC Detachments.”
The J-100 was established at the behest of former U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF) General David L. Goldfein. However, Lt. Gen. James Hecker, Air University commander and president, and Brig. Gen. Leslie Maher, Holm Center commander have championed the program these last few months, along with close collaboration with AFROTC, the scholarship was literally compelled into a reality. This is an annual four-year scholarship with no specific degree requirements.
“From the cadets we interviewed in our panel, The J-100 scholarship is an opportunity for cadets to pursue a college degree and become an officer in the Air or Space Force. For a few cadets, this is the opportunity for them to become the first in their family to go to college, get a college degree, and receive a commission,” said Rob Atkins, HQ AFJROTC Regional Director for Region 5 and one of ten The J-100 Panel Chairs. “AFJROTC develops citizens of character by providing a well-structured program consisting of top-notch curriculum, unique leadership opportunities, and high standards.
Moreover, Air Force Junior ROTC is the most diverse, program in the entire service with 57% minority and 43% female representation. While The J-100 provides opportunities for all cadets, AFJROTC’s inherent diversity resulted in 64% minority and 32% female select rates.
“Working on The J-100 program was an extraordinary experience for me because the opportunity to offer cadets a scholarship to expand their lives academically is exceptional,” said Sandra Glenn, HQ AFJROTC Educational Scholarship Coordinator. “So many high school students desire to attend college but cannot afford tuition expenses, and The J-100 Scholarship is the avenue for 100 cadets to secure their future in education and set a bright path to a successful career.”
Glenn, who is pursuing her Ed.D, said she has a life-time, deep love for education. “To be a part of the AFJROTC family is a wonderful experience; the programs offered to empower, enlighten, and enhance cadets’ lives is a true testament that we can make a difference in the lives of our children. I am overjoyed with the establishment and implementation of the J-100 Scholarship!”
Senior Air Force leaders also clearly value this significant investment in these AFJROTC cadets and the contributions they will make someday to our Air and Space Forces. In the effort to maintain these combined military services’ competitive edge, this scholarship will deliver hand-picked young men and women already tutored by Air Force leaders in citizenship, leadership, character, responsibility and service to the Air Force’s marquee officer accession program.
View the list of the 100 cadets that were selected as the 2021’s The J-100 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Character-in-Leadership Scholarships recipients.
For more information contact HQ AFJROTC Public Affairs at christian.hodge.1@us.af.mil