Knowledge is power at Warren's education center

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Warren members looking to further their education need to look no further than the base education center here.

Warren's education center provides assistance and guidance to active duty members, members of the Reserve and Guard, spouses and dependants who are interested in pursuing any level degree or certification.

Three schools have offices located in the education center: Laramie County Community College, Park University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. All three offer some classes here on base in addition to online programs, and LCCC offers the option of attending classes on campus in Cheyenne.

The Community College of the Air Force also has an office in the education center to assist enlisted members who want to earn their associate's degrees.

There is also a civilian training section providing guidance and helping civilians reach their educational goals.

"A lot of members want to know our opinions of different schools they are considering, but as counselors we do not give our personal views on schools," said Jamie Protte, 90th Force Support Squadron education technician. "Students need to make that decision for themselves - they need to figure out what works or doesn't work for them."

In addition to providing guidance for members wishing to pursue a degree or certification, the education center also provides information and assistance for those who would like to become commissioned officers.

The center holds briefings every month to educate interested members on the options for earning a commission. Individual counseling for commissioning questions is also provided.

The education center not only helps members decide what path they want to take, but also helps them understand their options for financial assistance. The center offers counseling and briefings on programs such as the GI Bill and tuition assistance.

Every active duty member is eligible for tuition assistance, but they are not required to use it. The program provides $4,500 per fiscal year, or up to $250 per credit hour.

Officers who elect to use tuition assistance incur a two-year commitment that begins after the individual completes the desired courses. If the officer still has more than two years left for his or her active duty service commitment, this time will be served in conjunction with the initial commitment; the time will not be added to the end of his or her commitment. Enlisted members do not incur any commitment for using tuition assistance.

Another requirement for tuition assistance is that the school must be accredited by the Department of Education.

Protte said one of the easiest ways to find out is to search for the school on the Department of Education's Web site; http://www.ed.gov.

Other options for members to help fund their education are the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill. Both require that the member has been honorably discharged, but there are several other requirements for each program.

The education center also hosts briefings about the GI Bill programs. The next session is scheduled for October.

"There are so many opportunities for members to increase their education and various ways to fund it," Protte said. "The hardest part is getting started. You have to evaluate what you really want to do, but once you start, it gets easier," she said.

The center will host a financial aid workshop on Oct. 18. The education center can be reached at 773-2117. Members seeking education counseling do not need to make an appointment.