Education officials: Time to hit the books

Summer term college registration begins May 19
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF

CAMP FOSTER — As registration for summer college classes approaches. Marine Corps Community Services Lifelong Learning Center officials are encouraging people to take advantage of the wide variety of courses available on Okinawa.

Registration for classes is May 19 through May 30, and classes for the summer term begin June 2 and end July 26.

Classes are generally two nights a week for eight weeks. Lunchtime and weekend classes are also available, according to Bob Stenard, the supervisory guidance counselor with the Lifelong Learning Center on Camp Foster.

Lifelong Learning Centers are located on all Marine Corps installations and are open to everyone with base access.

Centers have various resources available to help students choose the right education program. whether it be classroom instruction or online courses.

“It can be easier to get into a school here rather than waiting until you get out of the military because there are so many education opportunities available.” said Keena Morris, an education services specialist with the Camp Foster center.

Stenard said education counselors help students set goals that match their careers, and getting an education here gives service members an advantage if they plan on continuing their education when they leave the military.

“Plan ahead.” Stenard said. “You’re in the driver’s seat, if you want to be.”

Many colleges accept the College Level Examination Program. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Tests and Excelsior College Examinations, which allow individuals to earn college credits through testing without having to take the course.

Acceptance of the CLEP, DANTES and ECE credits varies from college to college.

“Servicemember Opportunity Colleges are more familiar with these exams and how they relate to their degree programs.” said Morris.

Stenard added that another benefit of being in the military is the Tuition Assistance program, which allows service members to attend courses while the military pays up to $250 per credit hour of tuition.

Tuition assistance covers up to $4.500 a year of tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs. Students are responsible for the cost of books, applicable enrollment fees and must repay tuition assistance for courses failed, said Morris.

Officers and enlisted personnel receive the same dollar amount of tuition assistance; however, an officer must complete the last class with two years of commissioned military service remaining on their contract, or reimburse tuition.

Prospective students wanting to use the TA program, must contact the Lifelong Learning Center to schedule the College 101 Tuition Assistance brief.

Service members also have the Montgomery GI Bill college fund available to them.

“GI Bill questions are about 15 percent of what we handle,” said Stenard. “A lot of people come in with misunderstandings about what the GI Bill is about and how to use it.”

Military spouses also have an advantage with scholarship and grant options available from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Navy Officers’ Spouses Club and Marine Corps Offices’ Spouses Club, Stenard said.

For more information about continuing education, scholarships. grants and tuition assistance. contact any Lifelong Learning Center.