Marine Corps Base Quantico -- “All that experience and no degree could leave you jobless,” said Lori Fox, career specialist at Quantico Education Center, during the College 101 Seminar Oct. 27. She stressed to Marines the benefits of higher education saying, “The higher the degree the more money you can make and it can help you with promotion by setting you apart from your peers.”
The Quantico Voluntary Education Center is taking advantage of the lecture halls at The Basic School to provide more education opportunities to Marines and families on the Westside. As early as January, Northern Community College and Park University will begin voluntary education college courses at Haywood Hall in addition to the online courses at the main side center.
While many people commute to work each day, proximity will be a major benefit to providing a facility on the westside of base, explained John DeForest, The Basic School academics director. Accessible at the end of a long workday is important for attendees working near Heywood Hall.
The College 101 Seminar, hosted by base education counselors, was held at Heywood Hall in conjunction with a higher education fair to discuss tuition support for military families and civilian employees. Attendees were given tips on which schools allow them to use military training hours, joint service transcripts or foreign languages towards general education electives.
“We are here to help Marines attain educational benefits that are available to them while serving in the military,” Fox said. “Whether you decide to earn a certificate or doctorate degree, you will feel good to set and achieve goals.”
The higher education fair gave the base community an opportunity to talk to base education counselors and college admissions representatives about admission requirements, career planning, and degree programs.
“Counselors provide great resources to the base community,” which includes anyone in the community who is considering voluntary education, DeForest said. “They provide expertise and guidance for those trying to get started or complete their educational goals.”
The government provides education benefits to service members who have served on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001. Even with tuition assistance program, Montgomery GI Bill, or Post-9/11 GI Bill, many military families need additional support to reach their personal goals.
When funding higher education there are many “pathways and pitfalls” in the pursuit to attain educational funding, using tuition assistance or leveraging your GI Bill benefits, DeForest said.
With the support of The Basic School commanding officer, Col. Christian F. Wortman, the preliminary stages of the program are underway.
“[Wortman] is a huge advocate of getting Marines support for educational programs they need” while on active duty and in preparation to work as a civilian, DeForest said.
This announcement is the beginning of many educational benefits for patrons on base. Educational counselors can be reached at 703-432-0117 in the Voluntary Education Center on the main side of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Counselors will be available at the Heywood Hall November 3, December 1, and January 5.
— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com