Civil Air Patrol

As a non-profit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, students participating in this program contribute to a real-life mission in service to the public. Cadet members of the West Virginia Wing learn about leadership, are immersed in aerospace education and mentored in physical fitness. Cadet experiences may lead to earning credit for promotion(s) if they decide to enlist into the military or a private pilot certificate. For complete details, visit http://wvwg.cap.gov.

West Virginia Youth Leaders Camp

The West Virginia National Guard’s Youth Leaders Camp (YLC) is an unparalleled leadership opportunity proven to be physically demanding, mentally challenging and rewarding. YLC is designed for 15- to 18-year-old students entering their junior or senior year of high school. These students have expressed a desire to be a leader in their school and community. YLC enables youth leaders to build confidence, team building skills, integrity and the ability to motivate and influence others.

Common Ground Partners offer a wide variety of exciting programs for students. Visit Military-Based STEM Education Programs for complete details. 

College Foundation Of West Virginia 

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission provides the College Foundation of West Virginia website, which provides easy to follow guidance on how to plan for your future, seek financial aid and enter college or career training(s). Explore careers, build a resume and find jobs using CFWV.com. 

Veterans Of Foreign Wars 

The VFW offers youth essay contests and scholarship opportunities for students (including the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs) and provides awards for elementary, middle, and high school teachers as part of the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. To learn how you can apply for these opportunities or nominate a teacher for a VFW award, visit https://www.vfw.org/.

United States Armed Forces offer those who qualify a wide variety of postsecondary education and employment opportunities. Visit the following websites to review the most up to date criteria for enlistment:

• Air Force – https://www.airforce.com
• Air Force Reserve – https://afreserve.com
• Army – https://www.goarmy.com
• Army Reserve – https://www.usar.army.mil
• Coast Guard – https://www.gocoastguard.com
• Coast Guard Reserve – https://www.reserve.uscg.mil
• Marine Corps- https://www.marines.com
• Marine Corps Reserve – https://www.marforres.marines.mil
• Navy – https://www.navy.com
• Navy Reserve – https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil
• Space Force – https://www.spaceforce.com/careers
• West Virginia National Guard – https://www.wv.ng.mil/
• West Virginia Air Force National Guard – https://www.goang.com/locations/west-virginia.html
• West Virginia Army National Guard – https://www.nationalguard.com/west-virginia

For more enlistment opportunities, visit the Military Academies and ROTC page.

According to the U.S. Selective Service System website, “The law says that all 18-year-old men (including U.S. citizens living abroad and non-citizen immigrant males 18-25 residing in the U.S.) must register for Selective Service. The only young men exempt from registration are non-citizen males who are in the U.S. temporarily as tourists, diplomats and their family members or foreign exchange students; incarcerated or institutionalized men; men on active duty in the Armed Forces; and students at U.S. military academies. If a young man doesn’t register by his 26th birthday, he loses eligibility for student loans and grants, federally funded job training programs, and many government jobs. In some states, he may be unable to renew his driver’s license. And for immigrants seeking to become citizens, failing to register will delay the naturalization process.”