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Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

Established in 1916, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a leadership program based in the values and practices of the United States military. Offered in high schools and postsecondary institutions statewide, JROTC programs combine classroom experiences with community service to foster leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline. The national mission of the program is to "motivate young people to be better citizens."

JROTC can help all students develop valuable skills, whether or not they pursue a military career. For those interested in joining the military, the program offers relevant experience and connections to future goals. Students who participate in JROTC programs can also earn the Military Enlistment Seal to demonstrate readiness for graduation. Federal law permits students who are homeschooled and reside in the area served by a JROTC unit to participate without enrolling in the school.

High schools and Joint Vocational School Districts interested in hosting a JROTC unit should apply directly to the military branch of their choice, either through the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) or National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC). The programs are identical, however JROTC units are primarily federally funded while NDCC units are funded by the school. In Ohio, JROTC instructors must apply for the temporary military science teaching license.

Note: As of September 30, 2025, Ohio law states that a qualified special education student receiving home education who also participates in a JROTC program offered by their resident school district is not considered enrolled in that district when determining eligibility for a Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) or autism scholarship.