Springfield College Announces Two Army and Air Force ROTC Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College announced two new grants that assist with funding for Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets enrolled full-time and participating in the ROTC program at Springfield College.

The Springfield College Room and Board Grant covers on-campus housing and basic meal-plan expenses for any Springfield College Army or Air Force ROTC cadet who has earned a national or local full-tuition ROTC scholarship. Additionally, the college will offer an annual undergraduate ROTC grant of $2,500 to any cadet entering Springfield College as a first-year student who does not qualify for an ROTC scholarship. This grant is renewable for up to eight semesters at Springfield College, as long as the cadet continues in the Springfield College ROTC program. 

In a recent ceremony on campus recognizing the ROTC grants, Springfield College junior and ROTC scholarship recipient Madelyn Reppucci was recognized at an official ROTC signing and swearing-in ceremony in the Marsh Memorial Chapel. 

“This is a very special opportunity, to be able to take my oath at such a special place with so many special people here watching,” said Reppucci, who majors in elementary and special education and American studies. “Being a part of the ROTC program has been a blessing. I have enjoyed my time at Springfield College so much. I have met so many wonderful people, made so many lifetime friends already; it’s just a great place to go to college.”

Through the Army ROTC program, students have the chance to work towards a career with the Army for up to four years, where they are taking courses for college credit alongside their academic major. The first two years are voluntary basic courses with no military obligation. These courses provide students with a background on the military’s role in society and the missions of the Army, focusing on leadership, land navigation, marksmanship, military history, and basic military skills. The final two years are advanced courses with military obligation, including a five-week camp prior to the final year. These courses include leadership skills, training, personnel management, ethics, military justice, and military tactics.

Through the Air Force ROTC program, students complete a program designed to train and commission officers into the U.S. Air Force. The first two years allow students to complete the general military courses. The second two years begin with field training, leading to time as Professional Officer Corps, where students will be contracted with the Air Force.