Jordan High School's Naval Cadet program has earned Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) status, a designation that brings federal funding for uniforms, travel and instructor pay to a program that has more than doubled its enrollment in two years.

The program launched in 2024 with 30 cadets, according to Canyons School District. Enrollment climbed to 51 the following year and stands at about 70 this year. The program's goal is 100 cadets.

That growth matters for Draper families. All Canyons District high school students can enroll, and cadets already attend from all five of the district's comprehensive high schools: Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Hillcrest and Jordan. Students can remain at their home schools while participating.

What the designation means

A single cadet's uniform can cost about $700, the district said. Under the NJROTC designation, the Navy will provide uniforms, help cover travel expenses for field trips and competitions, and pay a portion of the salary of retired Navy Master Chief Jonathan Ward, who oversees the program.

Ward, a retired Navy musician who played trombone during his military career, told the district that his goal is creating leaders and giving students opportunities to advance in college and careers.

The program began as a Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC), a forerunner to NJROTC. The Canyons Board of Education approved the unit in October 2023, and Jordan High was awarded it by the Navy after an evaluation process, according to district board records. The exact date of the upgrade to full NJROTC status has not been disclosed.

No military commitment required

NJROTC is structured as a four-year program, but students can join without committing to all four years. Joining does not mean signing up for military service, the district noted.

Still, some graduates have parlayed the experience into scholarships and military careers. Among Ward's graduates are students attending the University of Utah and Utah State University on full scholarships, the district said. Another student will attend the University of Maine on an ROTC scholarship. Other former cadets have joined the Navy and military reserves.

Ceremony and enrollment

Jordan High's cadets will hold their annual Military Pass in Review ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, in the school gym. The event follows a military tradition in which troops parade before a commanding officer.

Applications for the NJROTC program are accepted each semester. Curriculum details are available on Jordan High's website.