After graduating from Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ, former varsity athlete Ben Markulec enrolled in the Virginia Military Institute. A native of Hopewell, NJ, Ben Markulec received a U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship, one of many college opportunities offered by the ROTC.

Eligible active duty soldiers can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree through the ROTC Gold to Green Active Duty program. After graduating, participants can advance to a position as a commissioned army officer. To be considered, applicants must have the physical and mental strengths required of commissioned officers and have the support of their commanding officers.

If accepted, program participants must complete their degree within 21 to 24 months and must agree to remain in the army for eight years, with at least three of these years in active duty. Candidates can choose from technical, linguistic, engineering, or medical programs of study. Participants are still eligible for their pay and allowances and can apply G.I Bill entitlements toward education costs.