San Francisco JROTC Cadets Participate In STEM Leadership Academy

SAN FRANCISCO — More than 200 San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high school students enrolled in the Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) are participating in the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) which began March 27 and continues to April 2.

The six-day STEM Leadership Academy, hosted at Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, blends science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education with leadership training.

Students from Washington, Galileo, Lincoln, Mission, Lowell, and Balboa High Schools are engaging in hands-on STEM activities, team challenges, and physical fitness exercises designed to build problem-solving and collaboration skills.

This year’s Academy theme, "STEM on the Water," is challenging cadets to design, build, and test remote-controlled LEGO apparatuses for complex water-based missions. Participants apply STEM principles, including gear ratios, machine mechanics, and the engineering design process, while also engaging in physical exercises such as land navigation, first aid training, and a one-rope bridge crossing over water.

The Academy is funded by the Army, covering lodging, transportation, training, and meals, while SFUSD provides STEM teachers, classroom materials, and field trip support.

JROTC instructors, many of whom are retired military officers and non-commissioned officers, are mentoring students throughout the program.

“The STEM Leadership Academy not only introduces cadets to high-demand STEM careers but also reinforces teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that will serve them beyond high school,” SFUSD officials said.
The program will conclude with cadet presentations and a closing ceremony on April 2 at 11 a.m. at the Parks RFTA Chapel.