Brown, Waltz and Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Promote STEM in JROTC

Press Release

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-06) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation to include science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instruction or activities within the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs.

Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

JROTC programs provide leadership, service and educational experiences to high school students throughout the country, preparing them for careers in the military and in civilian life. Today, only 20 percent of college-bound high school students are ready for higher education STEM courses. This skills deficit is particularly troubling as global threats and the economy continue to digitize. 68 percent of JROTC cadets do not have the opportunity to take an Advanced Placement (AP) computer science course in their school, and many of these schools are disproportionately located in low-income and minority communities.

"Students participating in the JROTC programs represent future leaders in the military and our communities. STEM education and activities will give them hands on training to tackle 21st century challenges," said Congressman Anthony Brown. "We need to be meeting our kids where they are, with hands-on learning that promotes critical thinking and problem solving. This bill does just that."

"JROTC students actively learn important skills to create effective leaders of the future," said Congressman Michael Waltz. "As our nation's jobs demands shift to a STEM focus, it's important we also help our JROTC students cultivate knowledge and hands-on training in these fields so they can continue serving our country and meet the needs of the modern workforce."

Original House co-sponsors include: Reps. Karen Bass (CA-37), André Carson (IN-07), Deb Haaland (NM-01), Josh Harder (CA-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Bennie Thompson (MS-02).

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