Project Pass Launch

Jun 6, 2011

Nearly 550 enthusiastic students, parents, teachers, community members, local dignitaries, VIPs and Army personnel crowded in North Middle School’s gymnasium on March 11, 2011 for the national launch event of a new Army inspired program.

The program, Project Partnership for All Students’ Success (PASS), offers Junior Leadership Corps (JLC) elective courses and after-school activities for middle school students and a JROTC program to develop character and leadership for high school students. These programs aim to keep students in school and help them become college and career ready upon high school graduation.

Project PASS was established through a partnership between the U.S. Army and the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), which represents America’s state and territorial boards of education.

Hardin County Kentucky was proud to host Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education, General George W. Casey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and Brenda Welburn, Executive Director, NASBE, who provided remarks about the PASS initiative.

“NASBE and the U.S. Army have a shared commitment to decreasing drop-out rates,” said Brenda Welburn, Executive Director of NASBE. “Project PASS will help young people develop key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, discipline, teamwork and integrity, making them more likely to stay in school.”

A recent NASBE report, Common Ground: Education and the Military, Meeting the Needs of Students, found that educators who apply military-inspired education programs for students, develop and sustain community partnerships for the benefit of students, and implement leadership training programs such as Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) impact student achievement. Project PASS will use militaryinfluenced leadership curriculum to help students develop strength of character, self confidence and academic discipline to supplement their academic training.

“Ensuring the success of each student is our top priority,” said Ms. Nannette Johnston, Superintendent of Hardin County Schools. “We are pleased to garner the shared commitment of the U.S. Army, NASBE, the Department of Education, service organizations and businesses as we work to help students achieve their goals both in school and in life.