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NEWS | Nov. 1, 2021

Drexel ROTC cadets reflect on Minuteman Scholarship benefits

By Sgt. 1st Class Deziree Lau 99th Readiness Division

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from Drexel University shared their thoughts on being Minuteman Scholarship recipients during the 2021 Ranger Challenge here Oct. 22-24.

The Minuteman Scholarship is a four-year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarship that covers full tuition and fees or $10,000 room and board at colleges and universities served by an Army ROTC program. In return, the awardee is guaranteed a commission into the U.S. Army reserve-component with an eight-year service obligation.

“For me, it’s mainly about preparing for my future. I’m securing myself for something after I graduate,” said Cadet Madison Bush. “I’ve always given back to my community in any way I could. What better way to benefit myself and my country than joining the Army Reserve?”

There are two types of four-year Minuteman Scholarships:

- A four-year scholarship that may only be awarded to incoming college freshmen attending a host ROTC program or a public university at resident rates;

- A three-year Advance Designee Scholarship, which is a four-year scholarship awarded to an incoming college freshman that pays the last three years of benefits, provided the applicant successfully meets the requirements to contract after the first year. The first year is a probationary year; the recipient receives no financial scholarship benefits during the first year.

“Originally, I looked into the enlisted route and came across the Minuteman Scholarship,” said Cadet Ryan Ott. “I applied and was granted the scholarship. Receiving the scholarship takes the stress off of worrying about paying tuition and fees associated with obtaining my degree. It gives me motivation to get good grades and keep myself competitive for when I commission.”

Scholarship recipients also receive a monthly stipend of $420, and a yearly book allowance of $1,200. In addition, Minuteman recipients participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program, which gives them experience with an Army Reserve unit while earning additional money for their service.

“Being a Simultaneous Membership Program cadet provides me with experience outside of ROTC by building leadership skills and getting a feel for what it’s like in the actual Army,” said Cadet Naya Goodman.

For more information on the Minuteman Scholarship, visit: https://www.usar.army.mil/MinutemanCampaign/

For more information on the Army ROTC, visit: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc.html