“The Army is wanting to invest in 20 high schools across the country, across 2000 programs 20 have been selected and the junior ROTC program is a gateway to this tremendous student body that we have,” he said. 

The Army is hoping to recruit the high school students for a future military career, but the skills learned translate to the public and private sectors as well. The program will prepare cadets for careers in cybersecurity– with courses like protecting data, secure software development and cybersecurity law. 

Brigadier General, USAF Ret. Doug Murray, Dean of Academics, said in today’s world, cybersecurity is at the forefront of importance for national security. 

“There’s so many challenges that we face in this nation again not just in terms of military security, but economic security, social security,” he said. 

In their first year, they’re anticipating 85 students to participate. The institute already has an existing partnership with UNM’s national security studies program as well as partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. 

NMMI already has a rigorous STEM based curriculum, and with the new program in place, cadets will receive training that puts them at the forefront of career opportunities. 

Now, with the addition of the cybersecurity program, they’re hoping to attract even more talented students to join their ranks.