Eight cadets from AFJRTOC to participate in competitive summer program June 10-Aug. 7
The inaugural cohort of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps flight program at the UCA Aviation Academy graduated in July 2025.
The University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy will again partner with the U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) to host cadets for a competitive flight training program this summer.
UCA is one of only six universities nationwide selected for the 2026 program. The university’s selection reflects the success of its inaugural year and its ability to operate the program with minimal external support. Eight cadets will train at UCA from June 10 to Aug. 7 as part of the intensive summer program.
“We are proud to once again be selected as a host university for this highly competitive program,” Brad Teague, director of the UCA Aviation Academy, said. “Being chosen as one of only six sites nationwide speaks to the strength of our program and the success we demonstrated last year.
“This opportunity continues to expand access to aviation training while strengthening our role in preparing the next generation of pilots.”
Through the program, AFJROTC cadets from across the country are competitively selected to attend an aviation training experience at accredited universities for approximately eight weeks. Participants can earn college credit and work toward their Private Pilot License while gaining firsthand exposure to careers in aviation.
The program, established in 2018, is designed to address the growing demand for pilots while increasing accessibility to aviation careers for high school students.
Air Force Junior ROTC is a Title 10 U.S. Code-mandated citizenship training program that is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, and instill personal responsibility, character, and self-discipline. The program achieves this through classroom education in air and space fundamentals and hands-on learning opportunities in a number of fun and challenging co-curricular activities.
Cadets who choose to continue their education may receive special consideration for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) scholarships. Many of these scholarships will pay for two, three, or four years of tuition, books and fees at numerous universities and colleges and allow cadets to pursue studies in various technical and non-technical majors.
The UCA Aviation Academy offers new classes every three months. Multiple pilot certifications are available, including Private, Commercial and Instructor licenses and Instrument and Multi-engine ratings. Discovery flights are available for those considering enrolling in the program.
More information, including how to apply, is available at uca.edu/aviation or by contacting Brad Teague, director of UCA Aviation Academy for UCA Outreach and Community Engagement, at (501) 450-5244 or bteague@uca.edu.