Four Cadets Awarded Elite AI Scholarships, Preparing for Future in Cyber and Technology

Four Missouri Military Academy (MMA) cadets have been awarded GenAI Scholarships through a partnership with the U.S. Army Cadet Command (JROTC), Fusion Cyber, and Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy.

Valued at $14,000 each, the scholarships were awarded to Cadets Daniel Bravo, Sean Mumm, Eric Shellabarger, and Gunnar Ward. Earning scholarships in a program typically serving college students and working professionals, the MMA cadets are part of a select cohort of JROTC cadets participating to gain early, career-focused training in artificial intelligence. The cadets began their GenAI training in September.

An intensive 24-week job-skills training program designed to equip participants to solve complex engineering challenges using generative artificial intelligence technologies, the GenAI Application Engineer & Securing Program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and real-world application development through hands-on AI projects and research. 

Cadets Bravo, Shellabarger and Mumm work in the MMA cyber classroom to fulfill the training requirements for their scholarship.

The GenAI program includes six phases that build practical AI skills step by step. It begins with the foundations of GenAI engineering, then moves into AI-assisted coding, system architecture, and full-stack applications. Students advance to enterprise-level AI engineering, explore advanced topics through team projects, and complete the program with a capstone build, demo, and portfolio showcasing their work.

MMA was selected for this national partnership based on the strength of its Army JROTC Cyber Program and the number of cadets who have earned industry-recognized information technology certifications. The AJROTC Cyber Program is part of the U.S. Army’s initiative to integrate STEM curriculum in high schools nationwide. MMA is one of approximately 10 schools nationwide participating in the AJROTC Cybersecurity Pilot Program.

MMA’s AJROTC cybersecurity program provides cadets with the opportunity to earn industry-standard IT certifications and develop critical skills in cybersecurity, coding, and information systems, giving them a strong foundation for future leadership in technology-driven environments.

Earning career-ready certificates while completing their high school education at MMA, Cadet Shellabarger (left) has earned his CompTIA ITF+ certificate, while Cadet Mumm is certified in CompTIA ITF+ and CompTIA Network+. 

The cadets who have received the GenAI scholarships are learning under the supervision of CW4 (Ret.) Jason Landrum, MMA’s AJROTC Cybersecurity Instructor and Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer. They have the following commercial certification:

• Cadet Bravo – CompTIA ITF+
• Cadet Mumm – CompTIA ITF+, CompTIA Network+
• Cadet Shellabarger – CompTIA ITF+
• Cadet Gunnar Ward – CompTIA ITF+

“I am proud of the accomplishments of my cyber cadets, and it is time for them to show off the skills they have already developed and take things to the next level,” said CW4 Jason Landrum, USA (Ret.), MMA AJROTC Cybersecurity Instructor. “This scholarship opens doors for them to learn from leaders in the AI field while preparing for future academic and professional success.”

Bravo, a high school junior from Dublin, California, said his goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the core concepts behind large language models, machine learning operations (MLOps), and other components of the AI stack. He said he was stunned when Chief Landrum informed him about the program and benefits he could receive.

“I am focused on IT for my future, and this will benefit me in personal growth and becoming more creative with technology,” Bravo said. “After graduation, I plan to attend a military service academy, as I’ve concluded that military structure is where I find growth.”

Cadet Ward looks forward to pursuing a career in cybersecurity with the US Navy.

A high school junior from Union, Missouri, Ward also expressed his excitement for the program’s real-world applications.

“I was surprised when I found out I got the scholarship — it was a real shock. It felt great to get the opportunity to learn more about a growing industry,” said Ward.

Similar to Bravo’s aspirations, after MMA, he hopes to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and pursue a successful career in the Navy.

“I hope to learn how generative AI is going to affect our future and how to utilize it to its fullest extent,” Ward added. “The reason I'm participating is because I realized that AI is an inevitable part of our future, and it's best to be ahead of the curve and prepare myself for a potential career in AI.”