We Are

Building Leaders Today

Tyese Sims

Dr. Tyese Sims

Executive Director, Chicago JROTC 

We're Glad Your Here

Our team has re-envisioned Chicago JROTC, enhancing both visual identity and programmatic initiatives to prepare students for successful college, career, or military paths. JROTC is not a pipeline to the military, though it remains a viable option for those interested.

I want families to benefit from scholarships and unique experiences that build leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. After 25 years in education, my goal is for every CPS family to know the incredible opportunities Chicago JROTC offers.

Our

Vision

To develop responsible JROTC cadet-leaders through high-quality instruction and enrichment opportunities that develop life skills in order to maximize positive postsecondary outcomes for JROTC cadets.

Chicago-JROTC-High-Quality-Instruction_2

High-Quality
Instruction

Focused lessons that build leadership, discipline, and communication.

Chicago-JROTC-Enrichment-Opps_2

Enrichment
Opportunities

Real experiences that strengthen confidence and postsecondary readiness.

Chicago-JROTC-Partnerships_2

Motivate and
Build Partnerships

Strengthen connections with schools, families, and community partners.

Our

Mission

To motivate young people to be better citizens and scholars by providing quality citizenship, character, service and leadership development program and activities.

To build partnerships with schools, communities, and stakeholders in order to garner resources and to provide growth opportunities for cadets.

Our Core

Values

Our commitment to align with Chicago Public Schools' core values is at the heart of our mission.

Chicago-JROTC-Consistency

Consistency

We strive for steadfastness and reliability in our programming and interactions. Consistency in our actions sets the foundation for trust and credibility within our community.

Chicago-JROTC-Customer-Service

Great Customer Service

We are committed to meeting the needs of our cadets, families, and community partners through active listening, empathetic engagement, and timely response.

Chicago-JROTC-Accountability

Accountability

We hold ourselves responsible for our actions and decisions, and we cultivate an environment where cadets take ownership of their learning, development, and community contributions.

Chicago-JROTC-Professionalism

Professionalism

We maintain high standards of conduct, and we prepare our cadets to exhibit professionalism in all future endeavors, be it in college, career, or military service.

EQUITY

By closely aligning with CPS's commitments in Academic Progress, Financial Stability, and Integrity, we ensure that every cadet benefits from a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and civic life. Our programs, budgeting, and core values reflect these shared principles, reinforcing our dedication to our students, families, and the Chicago community.

Academic Progress

High-Quality Rigorous Instruction
Talented and Empowered Educators
Safety and Support

Chicago JROTC PRIORITIES

Instructional Core
Leadership Development of Cadets
Program Design

financial Stability

Financial Equity
Operational Excellence

chicago JROTC Budget aligned to chicago JROTC PRIORITIES

financial Stability

Collective Impact
Transperency

JRTOC Core values

Consistency
Accountability
Great Customer Service
Professionalism

JROTC Priorities

our focus on academics progress

The outlined priorities for Academic Progress within Chicago JROTC represent a focused and comprehensive approach that directly contributes to elevating academic achievement.

01

our focus on academics progress

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Frequent observations and feedback shared with military instructors, school administrators, and department personnel through School Mint Grow

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    HQ support and contact assigned by network

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Postsecondary Pathway Focus, ECCC

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Intentionality in supporting all branches of service

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Passing unit inspections for school sites

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Access to advanced, rigorous coursework including AP, Dual Enrollment, Dual Credit, and IB classes and programs

By strengthening the Instructional Core, which includes continuous observations and constructive feedback, the program ensures a dynamic learning environment that nurtures both academic excellence and interpersonal skills.

Through Postsecondary Pathway Focus and intentional support across all service branches, Chicago JROTC fosters a sense of purpose, encouraging students to see their education as a stepping stone toward successful futures.

01

our focus on academics progress

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Frequent observations and feedback shared with military instructors, school administrators, and department personnel through School Mint Grow

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    HQ support and contact assigned by network

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Postsecondary Pathway Focus, ECCC

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Intentionality in supporting all branches of service

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Passing unit inspections for school sites

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Access to advanced, rigorous coursework including AP, Dual Enrollment, Dual Credit, and IB classes and programs

By strengthening the Instructional Core, which includes continuous observations and constructive feedback, the program ensures a dynamic learning environment that nurtures both academic excellence and interpersonal skills.

Through Postsecondary Pathway Focus and intentional support across all service branches, Chicago JROTC fosters a sense of purpose, encouraging students to see their education as a stepping stone toward successful futures.

01

our focus on academics progress

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Frequent observations and feedback shared with military instructors, school administrators, and department personnel through School Mint Grow

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    HQ support and contact assigned by network

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Postsecondary Pathway Focus, ECCC

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Intentionality in supporting all branches of service

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Passing unit inspections for school sites

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Access to advanced, rigorous coursework including AP, Dual Enrollment, Dual Credit, and IB classes and programs

By strengthening the Instructional Core, which includes continuous observations and constructive feedback, the program ensures a dynamic learning environment that nurtures both academic excellence and interpersonal skills.

Through Postsecondary Pathway Focus and intentional support across all service branches, Chicago JROTC fosters a sense of purpose, encouraging students to see their education as a stepping stone toward successful futures.

02

Leadership Development of Cadets

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Master Calendar of Events to support cadets' leadership and postsecondary opportunities

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Identifying events as a leadership or postsecondary so the benefits of participation are clear to everyone

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Intentionality around representing all branches of service opportunities

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Opportunities for internships (paid and non-paid)

Marked by structured events and cross-service representation, Leadership Development cultivates skills that transcend the classroom, nurturing confident and responsible citizens.

02

Leadership Development of Cadets

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Master Calendar of Events to support cadets' leadership and postsecondary opportunities

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Identifying events as a leadership or postsecondary so the benefits of participation are clear to everyone

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Intentionality around representing all branches of service opportunities

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Opportunities for internships (paid and non-paid)

Marked by structured events and cross-service representation, Leadership Development cultivates skills that transcend the classroom, nurturing confident and responsible citizens.

02

Leadership Development of Cadets

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Master Calendar of Events to support cadets' leadership and postsecondary opportunities

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Identifying events as a leadership or postsecondary so the benefits of participation are clear to everyone

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Intentionality around representing all branches of service opportunities

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Opportunities for internships (paid and non-paid)

Marked by structured events and cross-service representation, Leadership Development cultivates skills that transcend the classroom, nurturing confident and responsible citizens.

03

program
design

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Revamping marketing to recruit and retain cadets and military instructors

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Building knowledge of school administrators and school counselors so program awareness of Chicago JROTC can be shared with students

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Professional Development for Military instructors, including all legal aspects: CPS and Branch Regulations

Our commitment to Program Design encompasses revitalized marketing, educator recruitment, comprehensive orientation, and professional development—elements crucial to sustaining a robust educational platform.

03

program
design

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Revamping marketing to recruit and retain cadets and military instructors

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Building knowledge of school administrators and school counselors so program awareness of Chicago JROTC can be shared with students

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Professional Development for Military instructors, including all legal aspects: CPS and Branch Regulations

Our commitment to Program Design encompasses revitalized marketing, educator recruitment, comprehensive orientation, and professional development—elements crucial to sustaining a robust educational platform.

03

program design

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Revamping marketing to recruit and retain cadets and military instructors

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Building knowledge of school administrators and school counselors so program awareness of Chicago JROTC can be shared with students

  • Chicago-JROTC-Red-Star-Icon

    Professional Development for Military instructors, including all legal aspects: CPS and Branch Regulations

Our commitment to Program Design encompasses revitalized marketing, educator recruitment, comprehensive orientation, and professional development—elements crucial to sustaining a robust educational platform.