Icemen earn degrees through education office

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Currently every active-duty servicemember on base is covered by the Air Force for 100 percent of their tuition costs, but only 28 percent of those eligible for coverage are taking advantage of it.

"For active-duty members it is $4,500 of free money for education each year," said William Schueller, 354th Force Support Squadron education office team chief. "Education means money on the outside. Education is extremely important."

The education office currently has about 1,600 enrollments and more than a million dollars in the works towards tuition assistance. This money is put towards countless associates, bachelors, masters degrees and certificate and licensure programs.

Of the servicemembers taking full advantage of the money, a senior airman from the 354th Communications Squadron is already on course in fulfilling her education goals.

"My favorite part of going to school was attending classes that interested me and interacting with other students," said Senior Airman Sara Sharpe, 354th CS network infrastructure technician, who is six classes away from earning her bachelor's in criminal justice.

This associates degree holder in information systems technology said as soon as she reached her 5-level skill in her job, she signed up for courses.

"I find that taking online courses are harder because you have to stay motivated to get the work done and you are really teaching yourself," said Airman Sharpe. "I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of the CLEPS and DANTES testing while they are free."

Anyone who has access to base can come by the education office. There they can look at the myriad of brochures available, sign up for CLEPS or DANTES tests, and speak with representatives from Wayland Baptist University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University or the University of Alaska.

"There is no appointment required--people can just drop by the education office," said Mr. Schueller. "Each person's case is unique; they just need to come by and talk to us--CLEP and DANTES Subject Standardized Test testing is always a shortcut to completing a degree."

Mr. Schueller said the Air Force also takes care of its spouses in terms of college money.

"Spouses should take advantage of the Spouse Tuition Aid Program, funded by the Air Force Aid Association," said Mr. Schueller. "CLEP and DANTES testing for dependents is only $70 per test."

Airman Sharpe's advice to those wanting to get their education on track is to "just start taking classes."

"If you have been out of the classroom for a while take a class that interests you, not one you necessarily need," she said. "That way you are more likely to enjoy the experience."