Now in its fourth year as a partnering site, Southeastern University (SEU) has hosted 20 cadets from the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Flight Academy Program on its Lakeland campus since May 25.
The cadets will depart on July 20 after celebrating their completion of the program at a special graduation ceremony held in the aircraft hangar of the Kingsky Flight Academy.
Since its inaugural year partnering with the AFJROTC Flight Academy in 2019, SEU has hosted a grand total of 58 cadets.
This year, SEU welcomed 18 AFJROTC cadets, one ROTC cadet and one United States Air Force Academy cadet. The cadets originate from Utah, Oklahoma, Arizona, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
“These young men and women have excelled throughout their training. Their discipline and focus were key in many of them completing their private pilot’s license in less than eight weeks. They have truly displayed the level of professionalism expected of our future military or civilian pilots,” said Dr. Kenneth Stephens, chair of SEU Aviation.
SEU is one of three universities in Florida awarded a contract with the AFJROTC Flight Academy, and one of only 19 universities total participating in the program in 2024.
The AFJROTC Flight Academy program provides scholarships for students to participate in its eight-week summer aviation training course. The program was created in efforts to combat the current national pilot shortage in the U.S., as well as to encourage diversity within the aviation industry.
As a part of successfully completing the program, the cadets receive their private pilot’s license, in addition to six college credits. A Private Pilot’s Certification allows an individual to fly a private aircraft anywhere as long as they are in compliance with the airspace regulations set by the country of destination.
This release can also be found on the SEU Blog.
About SEU
Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 100 degree programs including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 200 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu.