AREA MANAGERS -- PASS TO ALL UNITS/INSTRUCTORS
5761
Ser 03-16/CD1
19 January 2016
From:Commander, Naval Service Training Command
To:NJROTC Area Managers
NJROTC Units
NNDCC Units
Ref: (a) NSTC INSTRUCTION 1533.8D
Subj:MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTION SCHOLARSHIP RESERVATIONS (MSISR) the NROTC COLLEGE PROGRAM and the UPDATED NROTC WEBSITE
1. Reference (a) was updated in July 2015. It should be thoroughly reviewed as it details procedural guidance for granting Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Minority Serving Institution Scholarship Reservations (MSISR) at NROTC affiliated Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Institutions, and institutions with High Hispanic Enrollment. Several important changes were made to the program including:
a. Raised SAT/ACT minimum scores to match the National and ASR/minimums: Math - 520/21 and Verbal - 530/22.
b. Requires all (college students) to meet the SAT minimum scores.
c. Removed MSISR specific requirements for applicants still in high school - candidates must now meet all National Scholarship eligibility criteria.
d. The selection timing for MSISR was moved up to the last board in April. Accordingly, no longer should candidates wait to see if they are selected by the national board before making an MSISR application. Application for an MSISR will not preclude a candidate from being selected for a national scholarship. Candidates must apply for the MSISR NLT 29 February, 2016.
2. The MSISR program provides scholarship reservations to students interested in attending a minority serving institution and provides the same benefits as a NROTC national scholarship at these schools.
3. Application for the scholarship is made via the NROTC National Scholarship web application prior to 31 January or via pdf hardcopy form at any time up to the 29 February deadline. The NROTC website was recently updated to html and information about the MSISR is available at the following link: Unlike the National NROTC Scholarship, applicants MUST contact the host NROTC unit at the MSI they wish to attend for processing of a MSI nomination. Again, the application period for the MSISR will close on 29 February, 2016.
4. Eligibility: Applicants can only be Navy Option (seeking an Unrestricted Line commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy). Applicants may be of any gender, race, or ethnic background. Applicants must meet all Navy option NROTC scholarship eligibility criteria.Applicants may not be on active duty at the time of their application. Persons previously disenrolled from the NJROTC program for disciplinary or academic reasons are not eligible. Persons applying for Marine Corps or Navy Nurse Option scholarship are not eligible for an MSISR.Additionally, applicants must:
a. Attain scores of at least 520 in Math and 530 in Critical Reading on the SAT or 21 in Math and 22 in English on the ACT on a test taken no earlier than two years from the date of the application;
b. Complete the NROTC Statement of Understanding, Debarment Form, and Drug Statement Form.
c. Apply to one of the NROTC affiliated MSIs if not currently enrolled and be admitted in order to use the scholarship if selected.
d. Demonstrate an ability to complete all Naval Science requirements and graduate on time with their respective YG by a degree plan, submitted to the PNS of the MSI school the applicant wishes to attend.
e. Demonstrate leadership, integrity, and character.
f. Conduct an NROTC applicant fitness assessment and provide scores to the NROTC Unit where seeking an MSISR.
5. Cadets may also wish to consider the NROTC College Program which affords a great opportunity to affiliate with an NROTC unit and participate in the NROTC program as a non-scholarship student. College Program Midshipmen can compete for a side load scholarship after completing a semester of study and NROTC program classes and instruction, provided other eligibility requirements are met. The NROTC program is reducing the number of students that will be selected this year for a four year scholarship, but is increasing the number and opportunity of side load scholarships students. Provided they can perform well academically in a college environment, NJROTC Cadets typically are able to impress NROTC leaders and fair well when side load scholarship opportunities arise.
6.The NSTC Candidate Guidance Office (CGO) stands ready to assist with NROTC opportunities. Cadets/SNSIs/NSIs/NNDCCIs should have the following information when contacting the NROTC program CGO: scholarship program of interest, SAT/ACT scores, contact information for the cadet, college of interest. Information about the CGO can be found at:
/s/
J. D. SMITH
By direction