The Aggie Eagle Program
is a way for Eagle Scouts to apply for
scholarships each year to Texas A&M University. For those of you
looking for an opportunity, I thought I might tell you about the
Leadership Excellence Program of the Corps of Cadets. The Corps no
longer requires a military commitment from Cadets. It is optional.
Approximately 40%+ of the Cadets do pursue an officer’s commission
into the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps. The great news is
that they do not have to make this decision until the beginning of
their junior year. They have the opportunity to observe all
branches and to interact with active duty personnel before making a
final decision. While I have personally known some hard charging
Eagle Scouts use the Aggie Eagles program, and go straight from high
school in their pursuit of a commission, this option of being
undecided until your junior year would be good for others.
These members of the Cadet Corps that do not pursue a military
commission have the opportunity to enroll in Dr. Richards Cummins’
Leadership Excellence Program. This program was a decade in the
making. It combines labs, projects and seminars, all of which are
directed toward building upon the leadership training provided by
the Corps. Corporate America has discovered these young folks and
is quickly beating a path to their door. Upon graduation, these
Cadets receive a Leadership Certificate with their diploma. Then,
they move into the private sector or on to post baccalaureate work.
Therefore, Scouts who may not be interested in the military should
still consider the Aggie Eagle Program. The Corps builds Leaders of
Character, whether they pursue a military commission or our
leadership certification.
The website is
www.aggiecorps.org and click on Aggie Eagles to find out more
about the program, and how to apply.
Newsletter
Yours in Service to Scouting,
Scott W. Wenzel
District Director, Black Creek District
North Florida Council, BSA