SDSU Launches NROTC Prep Program

San Diego State University and San Diego State University’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) will support five incoming students this fall as part of the NROTC Prep Program.

The program is designed to improve midshipman candidates’ academic and life skills to prepare for the rigorous NROTC academic program.

“The Navy Prep Program at SDSU gives someone the opportunity to go to college and get a fully-funded scholarship for a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,” professor of Naval Science Captain Edwin D. Kaiser said. “What makes this program even more attractive is that upon graduation the student gets a guaranteed job serving their country by receiving a commission in the Navy. This is truly a life-changing program for both the participant and their entire family.”

In a partnership between the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts and the College of Engineering, five students pursuing STEM degrees will receive university-funded scholarships that will fully pay for their first year as they begin their coursework and prepare to enter SDSU’s NROTC program. After successfully completing 24 units and participating in physical fitness training with the NROTC unit during their first year, candidates will receive a 4 year NROTC Scholarship that will cover tuition, books, and fees through their graduation from SDSU.

SDSU is one of 21 universities in the U.S. to offer a preparatory program. The programs focus on students who have shown outstanding leadership and character in their high school careers, but may not have met standardized test score requirements or had access to Advanced Placement courses. Each university tailors its program independently, in coordination with their NROTC unit.

The goal of the program is to expand scholarship opportunities to students who are deserving of them but who might be overlooked due to a lack of opportunity or resources and to produce a more diverse and inclusive Navy Officer Corps.

“This program is a tremendous opportunity,” Captain Kaiser said. “I am so proud to be a part of it and it is without a doubt one of the most important things I have been involved in during my career.”

Learn more about SDSU’s NROTC Prep program here. 

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.