April 5, 2021

What:       West Point to participate in virtual leadership and STEM workshop with SAISD JROTC cadets; Local ROTC cadets from St. Mary’s and UTSA also to participate
                   
Who:      Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Lt. Col. (Retired) Jerry W. Cheatom, SAISD Director of Army Instruction
West Point cadets
SAISD JROTC cadets

When:    April 7 (Wed) – 11:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 
              April 13 (Tues) – 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where:   Zoom workshop
Telephone interviews with leaders and cadets are available prior to and after the event 

Approximately 100 JROTC students in San Antonio ISD will learn about military academy opportunities and pathways to becoming a military officer during a two-day leadership workshop. The workshop, known as Leadership, Ethics and Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (LEADS), will begin Wednesday, April 7. The second session will be held the following week, on Tuesday, April 13.

SAISD students from eight campuses across the District will benefit from the program. This includes JROTC cadets from Brackenridge, Burbank, Edison, Highlands, Houston, Jefferson and Lanier high schools, as well as Young Men’s Leadership Academy.

During the April 7 program, SAISD students will learn how to maximize their ACT score, recognize the brain-based learning and behavioral traits desired in West Point and ROTC scholarship applicants, and gain a greater understanding of how to best prepare for scholarship essays and interviews. A closing session at 3:55 p.m. will provide an overview of the day’s key take-aways.

The first day lays the foundation for the April 13 program, during which SAISD students will hear from Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

West Point cadets and local ROTC cadets from St. Mary’s University and UTSA will then lead break-out sessions on topics such as West Point admissions, ROTC scholarships, leadership and ethics, as well as initiate problem-solving STEM activities to reinforce the critical need for STEM experts in the military. 

The Center for Leadership and Diversity in STEM at West Point raises awareness and inspires under-represented youth populations to align with the national need to increase the number of students choosing STEM disciplines. This national need coincides with a need from within the military for officers with a higher level of scientific and technological literacy who can effectively lead in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Workshop sessions also will give students an opportunity to practice leadership and ethical decision-making during individual and group challenges. Students will discuss the need, challenge and purpose of living an honorable life while on their quest to becoming an exemplary leader.

A closing session will feature Gen. (Retired) Vincent Brooks, a former four-star general in the U.S. Army, who will provide words of wisdom and a leadership challenge to the cadets. Brooks will then participate in announcing awards for individual and team winners in Leader Among Leaders and an essay competition. SAISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez will give the farewell address.