UMaine, Naval ROTC announce new Pathways to Engineering program

The University of Maine and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) are collaborating to provide opportunities for students who might otherwise not be academically competitive for NROTC scholarships, including those from underserved populations, to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Naval ROTC seeks high-quality STEM students, while recognizing that diversity and equality strengthen the U.S. Navy. Building on the excellent reputation of UMaine’s engineering programs, and the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, students will be recruited to a program called NJROTC Pathways to Engineering.

This is one of several similar programs at universities nationwide in cooperation with their NROTC programs.

In the pilot year beginning fall 2019, 10 students who graduated from high schools with Naval Junior ROTC programs will be selected by UMaine to start in its pre-engineering program.

In their first year, the students will receive full scholarships, including room and board, provided by UMaine. On successful completion of their first year, and meeting all other requirements, they will receive NROTC scholarships for years two through five, culminating in commissions in the Navy. The program is expected to accept 10 students a year.

UMaine Naval ROTC is an affiliated unit under the host NROTC unit at Maine Maritime Academy.

In addition, beginning fall 2018, all four-year NROTC National Scholarship recipients at UMaine received full room and board provided by the university to augment the tuition and fees paid by the Navy.