Developing future leaders: DuPage High School District 88/Willowbrook implements U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program

At Willowbrook High School, part of DuPage High School District 88, we provide a high-quality and comprehensive learning environment to prepare students to be college and career ready in a diverse society.

District 88’s curricular offerings include more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, more than 50 Dual-Credit/Collegiate-Credit courses, access to more than 35 career industry credentials in 18 career pathway areas and award-winning fine arts programming.

This year, District 88 is excited to implement a new opportunity for all students in the district – the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. This fun, challenging and interactive course officially launched in December 2024. See more details below.

WHAT IS THE U.S. ARMY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS (JROTC) PROGRAM?

  • JROTC Mission: To motivate young people to be better citizens.

  • JROTC Vision: To provide a quality citizenship, character and leadership development program, while fostering partnerships with communities and educational institutions.

  • For more information, go to www.dupage88.net/WillowbrookJROTC. 

WHAT DO STUDENTS LEARN THROUGH JROTC?

The program focuses on teaching students the following values.

  • Character
  • Personal social responsibility
  • Student achievement
  • Fitness
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Selfless service to community and others

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE JROTC PROGRAM?

  • ACADEMICS: Grades are based on quizzes; assignments; participation; attendance; and presentations on current events, self-exploration and more. The goal is for students to complete the following four levels of the JROTC program during their high school career: The Emerging Leader, The Developing Leader, The Supervising Leader and The Managing Leader.

  • WEEKLY EVENTS: Every Friday, students participate in physical training. This includes team-building sports and a biannual Cadet Challenge that tests calisthenics, flexibility and running up to 1 mile. Students also participate in a drill and ceremony/uniform inspection each week.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED WITH JROTC BEYOND THE CLASSROOM?

  • Color Guard
  • Drill Team
  • Archery
  • Robotics
  • Drones
  • JROTC Raider Challenge (obstacle course competition)
  • JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB)
  • JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), which is four days and three nights in June

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ENROLLING IN THE JROTC PROGRAM?

  • Access to scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education

  • Ability to enter the U.S. Army two ranks higher than other new soldiers, which leads to an increase in salary

  • Opportunity to build the values and skills listed above

  • Chance to participate in activities to enhance your résumé

TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS

"I plan to enroll in the military after high school, and the JROTC program is a good way to learn what that will be like."

- Junior Ruth McNeilly
"The JROTC program is a great way to improve my leadership skills and gain experience that will help me in life, no matter what path I pursue."

- Sophomore Luke Cordin
"What I enjoy most about the JROTC program is that it's collaborative and builds teamwork."

- Junior Jazmin Ramirez

For questions or more information about the JROTC program at Willowbrook, including the steps to enroll in the course, contact Lieutenant Colonel Mike Reardon (Senior Army Instructor) at mreardon@dupage88.net or 630-530-3728.