CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, Oct. 8, 2026 — Cape May County Technical High School will start New Jersey's first Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program next school year.
The four-year program begins in fall 2027. Cadets will explore careers in the Coast Guard and maritime industries and build leadership and citizenship skills.
There are 16 Coast Guard JROTC programs in the country now, with plans to grow to 20 over the next year. Cape Tech's will be one of them.
Who can apply
Students entering ninth grade next year can apply, and so can transfer students entering grades 10–12. They would make up the program's first class of cadets.
Information sessions
Both sessions are at the Cape Tech Conference Center, 188 Crest Haven Rd., Cape May Court House:
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.
Why Cape Tech
Superintendent Jamie Moscony said Cape Tech was a good fit because it is close to the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May. As a county vocational-technical school, it already combines traditional academics with career training.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for students in our area to participate in a proven and highly respected program that is rooted in both character development and the maritime sciences, with a curriculum that is especially relevant here in Cape May County," Moscony said. "The addition of the Coast Guard JROTC program is another example of how Cape Tech helps raise the bar for unique educational opportunities in New Jersey."
No service obligation
JROTC is not a recruiting program. Cadets take on no military service obligation. Students who stay in the program for two or more years may be eligible for advanced enlistment opportunities.
More about the program is at uscg.mil/Community/JROTC.
Source: Cape May County Technical School.