CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — Cape May County Technical High School will launch New Jersey's first Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in fall 2027, according to an announcement from the school district.
The four-year program will begin next academic year at Cape Tech and is open to students entering ninth grade and transfer students entering grades 10 through 12.
The district said the program will give students a chance to explore careers in the Coast Guard and maritime industries while building leadership and citizenship skills for college or work. Cape Tech said the program will be one of only 20 of its kind offered to high school students nationwide.
"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," said Cape May County Technical School District Superintendent Jamie Moscony. "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."
Moscony added that there are currently only 16 CGJROTC programs in the country, with the plan to expand to 20 over the next year. She said Cape Tech was an ideal host for expansion because of its proximity to the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May. According to the district, Cape Tech's status as a county vocational-technical school also gives it an existing structure to combine traditional academics with focused career learning.
The district said the CGJROTC is not a recruiting program. Students who take part do not incur a military service obligation through JROTC participation, according to the announcement. The district said cadets with two or more years in the program may be eligible for advanced enlistment opportunities.
Cape Tech is inviting families to learn more at information sessions at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, and 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Cape Tech Conference Center, 188 Crest Haven Rd., Cape May Court House. Online applications for the 2027-2028 school year will be available starting Oct. 15, 2026, according to the district. More information is available from admissions coordinator Deborah Valletto at dvalletto@capemaytech.com or 609-380-0200 ext. 2031.
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