The leaders of the state’s major educational organizations are urging public schools to schedule a Military Opportunities Day this fall. The goal is to provide high school juniors and seniors with information about the educational and career opportunities available through the U.S. Military.

In a letter to public school leaders, the executive directors or presidents of the six organizations comprising Leadership for Educational Excellence (LEE) cited a lack of awareness about the opportunities available through the U.S. Military.

“Military Opportunities Day can be an integral part of a school’s annual effort to help juniors and seniors prepare for a post-secondary pathway: work, college, or the military,” they wrote.

“Unfortunately, too many New Jersey students and parents are unaware of what military service entails today and the opportunities it offers for post-secondary education and career training. Often, the lack of awareness results from widespread misconceptions about military service and limited information available through schools.”

The letter includes suggestions for Military Opportunities Day activities and a link to military recruitment agencies that can assist in developing information programs for students and parents.

The following LEE Group leaders signed the letter: Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director, New Jersey School Boards Association; Dr. Richard G. Bozza, executive director, New Jersey Association of School Administrators; Edward J. Richardson, executive director, New Jersey Education Association; Patricia Wright, executive director, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; John F. Donahue, executive director, New Jersey Association of School Business Officials; and Rose Acerra, president, New Jersey PTA.

The Office of the New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and the New Jersey Department of Education support the effort.

Below: Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno (left) meets with representatives of the U.S. Military and N.J. education organizations during a planning meeting at NJSBA headquarters in July. At right are NJSBA Executive Director Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod and President Donald Webster, Jr.

Military Op Day photo