(posted on April 6, 2010)

Matthew Ives, a third-year cadet in the Socastee High School Air Force Junior ROTC unit, has been selected to attend the Aerospace & Technology Honors Camp at the University of Oklahoma this summer.  The objective of the Aerospace & Technology Honors Camp is to introduce high-achieving high school cadets to scientific, technical, and flying career opportunities in the Air Force.  Selection to attend the Aerospace & Technology Honors Camps is very competitive.  Those selected have an average GPA of 3.69 (on a 4-point scale), are rising sophomores, juniors or seniors, enrolled in college-prep math and science courses, and  demonstrated leadership potential. Four hundred-thirty two cadets were selected from nearly 1,000 applicants and represent the top one half of one percent of the approximately 110,000 AFJROTC cadets worldwide.

This Secretary of the Air Force initiative will orient selected AFJROTC cadets to aerospace technology educational opportunities and aerospace related careers through a “hands-on” curriculum including visits to college campuses, air and space operational units, research labs, historical sites, aerospace industries, research and technology centers, museums, and provide each cadet with an incentive aircraft flight.  Additionally, cadets will hear lectures from general officers, astronauts, and pilots, and participate in simulator and airplane rides.  Eight honors camp will be hosted on college campuses with an Air Force ROTC detachment