Baumbach, Castaneda receive Flight Academy Scholarship
As recipients of the AFJROTC Flight Academy Scholarship, Cadets Marjorie Baumbach and Elian Castaneda will participate in a Private Pilot Certificate training program in summer 2022.
Baumbach and Castaneda are among 200 AFJROTC cadets around the world to receive the scholarship from Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. More than 1,300 cadets applied for one of the 200 scholarships.
Approximately 120,000 high school students enrolled in AFJROTC programs at about 870 high schools in the United States and overseas. The scholarship covers transportation, room and board, academics and flight hours required potentially to earn a Private Pilot Certificate.
The scholarship is valued at approximately $22,500.
The AFJROTC Flight Academy Scholarship program is an Air Force-level initiative in collaboration with the commercial aviation industry to address the national civilian and military pilot shortage. The Flight Academy allows aspiring young aviators to get their Private Pilot’s Certification, at no cost, during an eight-week summer course at partner universities.
Those students who participate in the program will earn a college transcript but do not incur a military commitment to the Air Force or other branch of service. In addition, completing the program does not guarantee acceptance into one of the military’s commissioning programs.
The mission of AFJROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community, while instilling values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.
At Bob Jones, Dr. Maj. Melissa M. Lacey is Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ellis Clark coaches AFJROTC cadets for archery, drill, honor guard and marksmanship.
For more information, email AFJROTC Public Affairs at christian.hodge.1@us.af.mil.


