The Steel Battalion’s Scholar, Athlete, Leader model:
The Scholar
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela
The Steel Battalion understands the importance of learning and the value of a college education and cadets are students first. Cadets are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA but expected to obtain the best grades possible. With physical training taking place solely during mornings and leadership labs only taking place during one afternoon a week, Steel Battalion cadets have plenty of time to explore different academic opportunities including research projects and internships as well as study and complete homework assignments. The only academic class all cadets are required to take is military science, taught by the Steel Battalion cadre team. Additionally, the Steel Battalion has resources in place to ensure that cadets are being academically supported including academic check-ins, academic mentorship, and the Battalion Academic Tutors Team (see further descriptions below).
Steel Battalion cadets are often recognized as high academic performers at their various academic institutions and have conducted groundbreaking research, won prestigious academic contests and fellowships and earned coveted 4.0 GPAs. Cadets hail from all academic disciplines, with common majors including engineering, international relations, business, biology, foreign languages and communications.
Academic Resources
Battalion library
The Steel Battalion collects and stores textbooks for use in our battalion library. Cadets can often find textbooks for free in Jordan Hall and are encouraged to pass down their old textbooks in order to ensure all cadets have access to the resources that they need to academically succeed.
Mentorship
Underclassmen cadets work with mentors, specifically assigned by common academic disciplines, goals and interests. Mentors are available to help with course selection, homework and navigating collegiate level academics. Mentors further assist mentees with goal setting and tracking, allowing each cadet to meet their academic goals. Ultimately, each mentee eventually becomes a mentor, affording the cadet yet another opportunity at leadership.
Internships and Research
Major specific internships are available through the Department of Defense network. Interns have been placed in highly prestigious military and civilian corporations by this network and have also been able to apply for outside opportunities for internships and research. Cadets are not confined to only participating in military internships and research and have worked in a variety of civilian career fields.
Battalion Academic Tutors Team
The Steel Battalion understands that collegiate level courses can be difficult and adjusting to new subjects and teaching styles can pose a major challenge. For cadets struggling academically or seeking additional academic support, the Academic Tutors Team steps in to provide comprehensive learning resources. Comprised of upperclassmen cadets who specialize in a specific subject or course, tutors are available to help with homework, studying techniques, test preparation, essay review and much more. Tutors can also help cadets navigate discussions with professors and find other academic resources on their campuses. Available in subjects from calculus to psychology, our all volunteer tutor team works to make sure all cadets succeed academically.
