CACC Today
What the California Cadet Corps looks like in classrooms today
The California Cadet Corps is a state-funded leadership development program founded in 1911 and administered by the California Military Department. It serves more than 7,000 students at over 100 schools across California, blending classroom instruction with hands-on training in leadership, citizenship, wellness, and emergency preparedness.
What is the California Cadet Corps?
CACC is a school-based leadership elective for grades 4 through 12. Cadets meet during the school day, follow a structured curriculum, and earn up to ten elective credits per year. The program is fully funded by the state — there is no cost to families or to host schools.
🎯Mission & Vision
The Corps exists to develop leadership in California's youth and to transform engaged students into capable citizens, mentors, and community leaders. Cadets learn by doing — leading peers, planning events, and serving their communities.
What We Are — and What We're Not
What we are
- ✓A leadership elective course inside the regular school day
- ✓A structured progression from cadet to cadet officer
- ✓Free to students, families, and schools
What we are not
- ✗Not a military recruitment program
- ✗Not a boot camp or disciplinary placement
- ✗Not JROTC — CACC is California's own program
A Program Built for Real-World Growth
The curriculum is built around four pillars: Military Knowledge, Citizenship, Leadership, and Wellness. Cadets progress through three tiers in each pillar — self-mastery, followership, and leadership — gaining concrete responsibility year over year.
How CACC Aligns with California's Education Priorities
CACC maps to California's CADET framework — Competency, Access, Dual enrollment, Experiential learning, and Total development. Cadets earn elective credit, can pursue dual-enrollment opportunities, and develop the soft skills employers and colleges value most.
Who Is This Program For?
Parents
Looking for a structured leadership opportunity for their student
Students
Interested in leadership, public service, or career exploration
Educators
Looking to bring a fully funded leadership elective to their school
Veterans
Seeking meaningful work mentoring the next generation
10 Things to Know About CACC
- Founded in 1911 — over a century of leadership development
- Serves 7,000+ cadets across California
- Offered in 100+ schools, grades 4–12
- Fully state-funded — no cost to cadets, families, or schools
- Taught by credentialed instructors known as Commandants
- Curriculum built on Military Knowledge, Citizenship, Leadership & Wellness
- Cadets earn up to 10 elective credits per year
- Statewide events: drill, summer camp, leadership conferences, CERT
- Not a recruiting program — graduates go to college, careers, and the military
- Email RECRUITING@CACADETS.ORG to bring CACC to your school