Sec. 5. Establishment of pilot program to recognize military-friendly schools
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/bill/119/s/1530/is/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a two-year pilot program to recognize high schools that demonstrate military enlistment rates above the State average. The program shall aim to highlight and support schools that foster a culture of service and commitment to national defense by encouraging military enlistment among their students. As part of the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall designate eligible high schools as HERO schools (Honoring Excellence and Recruitment Opportunities) based on their military enlistment rates and demonstrated support for students interested in serving in the Armed Forces.
The designation shall be made in a formal letter from the Secretary of Defense, which shall be sent to each school that meets the criteria outlined in subsection (c). To be eligible for the designation, a school must meet the following criteria: The school must have a military enlistment rate that exceeds the State average for high schools in the same grade band (9th through 12th grade). The school must have programs, activities, or partnerships in place that support students’ aspirations for military service, including access to military recruiters, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs, and military preparation coursework.
The school must demonstrate a commitment to fostering a positive relationship with military services via the local recruiting stations and an understanding of the opportunities available through military enlistment. The pilot program shall last for two years, with a review of its effectiveness and impact at the end of the first year.