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News Alert for 1/12/2023

HCPS Announces JROTC for 2023-2024 School Year!

A version of the following message will be sent to all contacts Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. via phone, email, and text message:

Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased to announce Joppatowne High School has been approved by the Department of the Army to establish a U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, effective February 1, 2023. Students currently in eighth grade throughout the county will be able to apply to join JROTC at Joppatowne High. Applications will be available Tuesday, January 17, 2023, through Friday, February 10, 2023, on hcps.org and in all middle school counseling offices.

Click here to watch a Parent Academy Real Talk about JROTC in HCPS!

In May 2016, the Board of Education of Harford County approved the submission of the JROTC application and the establishment of the program at Joppatowne High School. Strong support was provided from the Military Officers Association of America; Susquehanna Chapter; and numerous local, state, and federal leaders for instituting a program at Joppatowne High. Joppatowne High was the first school in the nation to offer a high school curriculum program for Homeland Security. The Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness Program is a signature curriculum that is affiliated with internships and instruction from area colleges and civil defense agencies. JROTC is an excellent addition to the program.

Harford County is the proud home of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). APG is the largest employer in the county and is a critical US Army research, development, test, and evaluation installation. In 2017, APG and the surrounding community celebrated the 100th anniversary of APG as a national military garrison. This year, Harford County celebrates a 250-year anniversary. Launching the JROTC program in Harford County is a great addition and way to continue to celebrate Harford County’s legacy.