Joppatowne High School has been approved by the Department of the Army to establish a U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). Eighth grade students throughout the county will be able to apply from Jan. 17 through Feb. 10. Here are the details provided by Harford County Public Schools:
Harford County Public Schools Announces Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) to start at Joppatowne High School
Applications available beginning January 17
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 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.
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. The
school is a comprehensive, diverse, suburban high school enrolling more than 800 students in
grades 9-12. 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.
