Ten students enroll at UMaine in new Pathways to NROTC program
Ten first-year students from five states are enrolled at the University of Maine this fall in the new Pathways to NROTC program.
The students from California, Georgia, Virginia, New York and Massachusetts were selected from among 77 applicants nationwide for their academic qualifications, demonstrated leadership, and interest in pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The applicants were members of their high schools’ Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and will be involved in UMaine’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) to become commissioned officers.
At UMaine, the 10 Pathways students will participate in naval science training, along with 12 other incoming midshipmen and 13 upperclass midshipmen in NROTC.
Recruiting talented students interested in STEM education is important for the U.S. Navy, according to Capt. Michael Flanagan, an assistant professor in NROTC, which serves UMaine, Husson and Maine Maritime Academy. So, too, is increasing diversity among recruits.
“These young men and women competed at the national level to get into UMaine and this program,” Flanagan says. “They are passionate about their educations and the opportunity to follow on as commissioned officers. They have a drive to put themselves through college and their level of motivation is high.”
UMaine is one of 14 colleges and universities nationwide to offer an NROTC pathways program. The initiative is supported by the UMaine the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Advising & Academic Services Center in collaboration with the College of Engineering, and the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture.
In their first year, the students 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.
“We are very excited about this collaboration with the Naval ROTC. The Navy is looking to cultivate a diverse group of STEM educated students to serve in the next generation of Naval officers and UMaine is playing an important role in this initiative,” says Jeff Hecker, UMaine Provost.
Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207581.3745