Marine Corps Base Quantico -- There are numerous educational opportunities for service members aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, and contrary to popular belief, many of them are available to civilian employees as well. The Voluntary Education Center, located at 3088 Roan Street on base, is the office that coordinates educational activities not considered Professional Military Education or professional development.
According to Melora McVicker, Education Services Officer at the VEC, seven different schools offer classes aboard MCBQ, including Excelsior College, Central Texas College, Northern Virginia Community College, Park University, Averett University, Florida Institute of Technology, Old Dominion University and University of Maryland University College. Civilian employees, including contractors, are allowed to take classes through these schools on base and sometimes qualify for the reduced military rate if the school offers one. The VEC holds a joint graduation ceremony for students who attend these schools or who finish a degree on their own through another school but cannot attend that school’s ceremony. McVicker said that some students have been working on a degree for as many as 10 years and are grateful to be able to attend the ceremony.
Education counselors at the VEC can provide assistance with navigating the federal financial aid process, which can be confusing for some. The VEC also offers certain standardized tests, such as the SAT and GED, at reduced prices for civilians and provides reimbursement for some tests taken off-base. For students who need to take proctored exams for a distance education course, the VEC offers free proctoring on-site every Tuesday.
According to Charles Andrews, Civilian Leadership Development program manager, civilians who are categorized as GS employees and work for MCBQ are eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement for professional licensure or certification through the Academic Degree Program. Employees must be pursuing a degree or license that furthers the career path for which they were hired and need supervisor approval before applying for the program. They can take classes online or in-person, either on- or off-base. Once employees are enrolled in school or a training program, they will need to obtain a passing grade before the money will be paid. Employees who work aboard MCBQ and are directly assigned to the base, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Training and Education Command, or the air station can contact Andrews directly via e-mail to start the application process. Employees assigned to other units or agencies aboard the base will need to contact their own human resources departments to determine if similar programs are available.