From classroom to cockpit, Atlantic County Institute of Technology’s (ACIT) Aviation Studies program is launching junior student Andrew Merlock into the prestigious Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy. Merlock will continue to train for and earn his private pilot certification over the summer break. His selection highlights ACIT’s expanding role in preparing students for aviation and aerospace careers through hands-on, industry-connected learning.
“Andrew’s selection for the AFJROTC Flight Academy demonstrates what happens when talent, determination, and opportunity come together,” said Principal Joseph Potkay. “Our Aviation Studies program gives students access to real-world experiences, technical training, and leadership development that prepare them for success beyond high school. We are proud to see Andrew represent ACIT on a national stage.”
Aviation Instructor Andrew Nebl—a former Coast Guard helicopter pilot and Army aviator—credits the program’s structure and expectations for student development.
“ACIT gives students the opportunities, and Andrew capitalizes on every single one,” said Nebl. “The program builds confidence, discipline, and skills that carry into every part of life. Whether it’s aviation, academics, or leadership, Andrew challenges himself to grow.”
“What truly sets Andrew apart is his character,” said Lynn K. Robinson Jr., Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. “He leads quietly but confidently, serves without hesitation, and consistently demonstrates integrity, respect, and determination. He is an extremely bright cadet with a bright future.”
The Flight Academy experience extends far beyond aviation training. Hosted at Purdue University in Indiana, the program places 100 cadets in a structured, military-style environment. For Merlock, who plans to attend one of the prestigious Military Service Academies, the experience offers an early introduction to the discipline and expectations of military aviation life.
ACIT’s Aviation Studies program integrates aviation science, aircraft systems, engineering concepts, and flight exposure into a curriculum aligned with industry expectations. Through Air Force JROTC and regional industry partnerships, the program connects students to technical training, leadership development, and clear pathways into aviation and aerospace careers.
“Most teenagers focus on earning their driver’s license, but Andrew is on track to earn his private pilot certification at nearly the same age,” said guidance counselor Amelia Dennis. “Students in our Aviation Studies program build professional-level experience while they’re still in high school.”
To earn the opportunity, Merlock immersed himself in aviation coursework, Air Force JROTC, athletics, and academic enrichment. He is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in track and field, crew, and soccer. Last year, he earned the Beyond Aviation Flight School 2025 Flight Training Scholarship, gaining additional flight experience through one of South Jersey’s premier flight training providers.
ACIT’s aviation program relies on its strong ties to South Jersey’s aviation district, including the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City International Airport, and the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center. These collaborations give students access to aerospace research, aviation advancements, and innovative technologies driving the future of flight.
As South Jersey’s aviation sector continues to grow, ACIT’s Aviation Studies program serves as a direct pipeline from classroom learning to aviation and aerospace careers. The district’s Career and Technical Education expansion will strengthen this pathway with the addition of Aviation Maintenance training.
