At John Paul Stevens HS, the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training (AFJROTC) program which is labeled as "Milestones in Aviation History" on the student's course card, is a federally funded high school program that teaches students about citizenship, character, and leadership development which is offered as an “Elective” class as well as a “PE” credit, and now the program also offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) endorsement if the Cadet stays in the program successfully for four years. 

The program is administered by the U.S. armed forces, with retired military personnel (Officer and Enlisted) serving as instructors. Yet the program is mostly Cadet ran and Cadet lead, which means the “Students” themselves who have earned Leadership positions within the program will help teach and hold the junior cadets accountable during day-to-day operations within their Flight (Class) and the Unit itself. 

The program uses a military-style curriculum that includes discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, and a focus on community service to include following the Dress and Appearance Regulations and/or Instructions of their respective military branch of service.

Some Key aspects of JROTC are:

• Curriculum: Covers a variety of subjects, including leadership, discipline, communications, basic life skills, military customs and courtesies, and history. Some programs also include specific topics like aerospace science or naval operations.

• Activities: Includes physical fitness training, drill (marching), and wearing the uniforms during inspections. Extracurriculars such as team bonding, color guards, academic bowls, and community service projects are also common.

• Leadership development: Students are given ranks and can work their way up a chain of command, which helps them develop leadership skills.

• Purpose: The program's goal is to motivate young people to be better citizens and to instill personal responsibility, self-respect, and a sense of accomplishment. It provides strategies for effective note taking and study skills for academic success with opportunities for Cadets to excel in leadership development.

The program strives to help tell the story of the Air Force's heritage─laying the foundation for future Air Force JROTC aerospace science courses. Traditions, Wellness and Foundations of Citizenship introduces students to history, organization, mission, traditions, goals, and objectives of JROTC for all services. 

It introduces key military customs and courtesies, how to project a positive attitude, personal accountability/responsibility, and examines the principles of ethical and moral behavior. 

The Teaching and Training program of study prepares students for careers related to teaching, instruction, and creation of instructional and enrichment materials. The program of study introduces CTE concentrators to a wide variety of student groups and their corresponding needs. It familiarizes them with the processes for developing curriculum, coordinating educational content, and coaching groups and individuals.

The Law Enforcement program of study teaches students about the development of, adherence to, and protection of various branches of law. Students may learn how to appropriately and legally respond to breaches in the law according to statutory rules and regulations as well as investigate how and why the breaches occurred.