Which of the following is a key component of the STA-21 program designed for Navy personnel?

The key component of the STA-21 (Seaman to Admiral-21) program designed for Navy personnel is Academic Enhancement. This program focuses on providing enlisted personnel the opportunity to complete their college degrees while still on active duty. Academic enhancement is essential because it equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in leadership roles within the Navy.

Enlisted personnel selected for STA-21 are typically awarded tuition assistance and various resources to support their educational goals, which align with the Navy's commitment to developing a highly educated and skilled officer corps. Through Academic Enhancement, participants engage in coursework that not only contributes to their degrees but also prepares them for future responsibilities as commissioned officers.

The other options, while related to officer development or service expectations, do not specifically pinpoint the educational focus that is central to the STA-21 program's mission. Leadership development and professionalism are broader concepts, and the program’s emphasis on enhancing academic qualifications sets it apart in the context of personal and professional advancement in the Navy.