BOWIE, MD - The ROTC Bulldog Battalion at Bowie State University recently hosted a group of more than 50 students from The Young 500 program at Robert W. Coleman Elementary School, located in Baltimore City, to introduce them to military careers including a campus tour and group sessions of push-ups and flutter-kick exercises.

The elementary school students had the opportunity to learn the history of Bowie State University’s campus, from its academic buildings to the football field while touring the University. Following the tour, the group gathered in the Theodore McKeldin Gymnasium where they competed in a push-up contest where students were given one minute to do as many correct push-ups as possible. The top three students, including one who completed 60 push-ups, were awarded t-shirts while the entire group was given additional Bowie State memorabilia.

The students were provided lunch while professor of military science for the University, Maj. Timothy Blackwell addressed the group.

“The day served as an excellent mentoring opportunity for students at the elementary level,” said Maj. Blackwell. “The ROTC students at the University are setting an example for these children to follow and we hope they will remember this experience when they graduate from high school and begin to make important decisions about continuing their education.”

The mission of The Young 500 program is to promote academic enhancement and interest in higher education. Bowie State University’s Army ROTC program plans to continue the partnership with this group as a way to provide direction and motivation to America’s youth.

“A significant part of our obligation as an institution of higher education is to instill in our youth the desire to pursue academic achievement through earning a degree beyond the high school level,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. George Acquaah. “The Department of Military Science plays an important role in encouraging students at a young age to set goals and work hard to achieve them.” 

The Department of Military Science offers focused training and courses in applied leadership, common military tasks and physical fitness. Students who complete the program are prepared to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army's active and reserve components.