The California Cadet Corps (CACC)

Developing Leaders Since 1911!

▶WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA CADET CORPS?

The California Cadet Corps (CACC) is a state-funded, school-based leadership and educational program that prepares students to become confident leaders, engaged citizens, and resilient individuals. Founded in 1911, the program is administered by the California Military Department under the Youth and Community Programs Task Force of the California National Guard.

Our goal is to create structured, team-based environments where students thrive—not through rigid hierarchy, but through routine, responsibility, and hands-on learning that teaches life-long skills.

MISSION

To create outstanding leadership development opportunities for students.

VISION

To transform students into tomorrow’s leaders and community builders.

▶ WHAT WE ARE—AND WHAT WE’RE NOT

🚫 We are not a boot camp
🚫 We are not a military recruitment program
🚫 We are not a credit recovery or at-risk youth intervention program
✅ We are a structured, elective-based leadership program aligned with California’s A–G academic standards.
✅ We are a pathway for young people who want to lead, serve, and build their futures—whether in college, public service, or their community.
✅ We are a statewide program offering hands-on experiences, statewide competitions, and immersive summer training opportunities that empower students to grow into capable, confident leaders.

▶ A PROGRAM BUILT FOR REAL-WORLD GROWTH

The Cadet Corps curriculum focuses on the whole student—not just academic success, but personal growth, social-emotional intelligence, and readiness for life after graduation. We emphasize:

Leadership & Team-Building
Civic Engagement & Citizenship
Health & Wellness
Emergency Preparedness
Career Exploration
Community Service
Interpersonal and Professional Skills

▶ HOW CACC ALIGNS WITH CALIFORNIA’S EDUCATION PRIORITIES

C — Competency-Based Learning

Focus on skill mastery and personalized pacing for students.

CACC develops cadets' leadership, citizenship, and life skills through practical, hands-on experiences that emphasize mastery and growth.

A — Access and Equity

Ensure equitable access to high-quality education and resources for all students.

CACC provides all students, regardless of background, with free uniforms, curriculum, and participation in state events, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

D — Dual Enrollment and Career Pathways

Expand dual enrollment opportunities and clear pathways to high-demand careers.

CACC creates pathways to careers in public service, military, law enforcement, and leadership, and is open to developing partnerships with colleges for dual credit opportunities.

E — Experiential Learning

Promote real-world, hands-on learning through internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning.

Through activities like bivouacs, drill competitions, and community service, CACC connects classroom knowledge to practical applications in real-world contexts.

T — Total Student Development

Focus on holistic development, including social-emotional learning, wellness, and civic education.

Promotes holistic development by integrating leadership, wellness, & citizenship training, helping students grow into well-rounded & responsible citizens.

▶ HOW IT WORKS IN SCHOOLS

The Cadet Corps is a co-curricular elective, operating during the school day or as an after-school enrichment program. It is available for students in grades 4 through 12, depending on district structure.

CACC courses follow the Carnegie Unit model, awarding up to 10 elective credits per year.

Programs can be approved as “G” Electives under California’s A–G system for college prep.

Commandants (instructors) are fully credentialed through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing with a Designated Subject, Special Subjects, Basic Military Drill Credential.

Every Cadet Corps program is hosted on a school campus and tied to the school’s academic program.

▶WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

Are You a Parent Interested in CACC?

You might consider CACC if your student:

Thrives with routine and consistency
Enjoys being part of a team or peer-led environment
Wants to build confidence, communication, and leadership skills
Is looking for an elective that goes beyond the classroom with field experiences, community engagement, and leadership camps
Seeks a program that supports college and career readiness, not just grades

This program is for students who want to grow, take initiative, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. Students seeking a collaborative and leadership centered approach to life thrive in our program.

⭐ If your student's school does not have a CACC program and you think it would be a good addition to the school, email your school Principal and CC Recruiting@cacadets.org and we will engage with your school's leadership about starting a program there.

Are You a Veteran, Public Servant, or Educator?

If you're a veteran, first responder, community leader, or educator with a passion for developing youth—you could become a Cadet Corps Commandant. Many of our instructors come from careers in service, leadership, or education, and carry forward their skills by mentoring the next generation.

👉 Learn more about how to join as a Commandant 🔗

▶ 10 THINGS WE WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT CACC

Founded in 1911, the California Cadet Corps is a state-funded, school-based leadership program operated by the California Military Department and codified in Military & Veterans Code §§ 500–520.
The program serves 7,000+ students in over 100 schools across California—from elementary to high school—preparing students for college, careers, and community service.
CACC is not a boot camp, military recruiting tool, or credit recovery program. It’s an academic leadership model focused on student growth, citizenship, and teamwork.
Cadets earn high school elective credit through a standards-based curriculum that is classified as Leadership/Military Science in CALPADS (Code: 9373) and aligned with California A–G elective requirements.
All uniforms, curriculum, and event costs are fully funded—there is no cost to students or schools beyond the salary or stipend of the instructor.
Every CACC instructor holds a state-issued teaching credential, and military-experienced educators have a clear pathway to earn a Designated Subjects: Basic Military Drill Credential.
The curriculum covers leadership, citizenship, health & wellness, emergency preparedness, and career readiness, using a structured framework to build real-world success skills.
The CACC operates with financial and logistical support from the California National Guard, giving students access to summer camps, bivouacs, leadership academies, and statewide competitions on military bases.
Schools have flexibility and local control to tailor the program to their needs—including choosing their instructor, shaping the calendar, and customizing enrichment activities.
The CACC supports STEAM and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and welcomes partnerships in drone training, cybersecurity, lifeguarding, and STEM leadership camps.

READY TO BRING CACC TO YOUR SCHOOL?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or school administrator, we’re here to help you take the next step.

EMAIL RECRUITING@CACADETS.ORG

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