Bowie State University Welcomes JROTC to Campus for Leadership Training

Students also learn about time management and other soft skills

Bowie State University recently hosted more than 200 high school students from Maryland and neighboring states for the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge — a weeklong program that fosters discipline, leadership, and critical thinking through immersive experiences. From obstacle courses and drone simulations to teamwork and soft skill development, the event gave students a glimpse into both military and college life, reinforcing Bowie State’s mission to support emerging leaders and military-connected youth. 

The program offered cadets a mix of physical challenges such as rappelling, obstacle courses and water survival drills, along with leadership reaction exercises and land navigation training. Cadets also participated in STEM-focused drone operations and cybersecurity modules — reflecting the technology-driven skill sets required of today’s military and civilian leaders. 

“This is the second year the Cadet Leadership Challenge has been held at Bowie State,” said Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Dave Moon, director of Army instruction for Baltimore’s JROTC program. “We have a number of African American cadets, and I wanted to give them the experience of being on a HBCU college campus.” 

Christina Smith, who will be a senior at Meade High School this fall and has older sisters in the Army and Marine Corps, said she plans to continue her journey of service to the nation. 

“JROTC has given me a foundation to build upon by teaching me to stay strong and keep moving forward,” said Smith. “I want to earn a military scholarship to college and major in architectural engineering.” 

Smith’s Meade High School friend McKenna Orrell, a three-year cadet, said the program has helped her grow as a person. 

“I’ve been able to meet people in JROTC who think like me and learned how to be a better citizen,” said Orrell. “My goal is to go to college, major in pre-med and become a forensic pathologist with the Army.” 

Designated a Military Friendly Campus, Bowie State’s growing role as a regional hub for JROTC leadership training reflects the university’s commitment to supporting military initiatives and activities.