Education Outreach Week

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kayla Fitzgerald
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Tyndall Air Force Base education office is hosting Education Outreach Week Dec. 9-13.

Representatives from the base education office, Troy University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and Gulf Coast State College will be at the Base Exchange food court from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions and assist students with enrollment.

“The goal of the education outreach is to ensure the base population is aware of the education benefits, on-base schools, and the variety of degree programs offered,” said Stephen Mihal, 325th Force Support Squadron chief of education and training. “All Department of Defense ID card holders can stop and chat with the on-base schools and the base education office. We will help anyone meet their education goals.”

In addition, the education office will host a testing event at the 325th FSS Force Development Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The testing event will allow Airmen to take College Level Examination Program tests and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Tests.

CLEP and DSST testing gives Airmen the opportunity to earn college credits toward their individual degrees.

“The CLEP and DSST testing programs often allow students enrolled in higher education to compete up to 30 semester hours towards their degree, however, this varies by each college or university and degree program,” said Mihal.

Also, military members interested in enrolling in an academic program and taking classes in the spring must get their tuition assistance in to their respective schools before the holiday break.

“Air Force members interested in continuing their education through tuition assistance are encouraged to visit the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC), found within the AF Portal, and update their personal information, search the 2,700 schools, and review thousands of degree programs offered by schools approved to attend using tuition assistance,” said Mihal.

“Most schools will be starting classes in early January,” he continued. "The outreach event will help ensure those interested in starting school don’t miss critical deadlines with the schools and Air Force [tuition assistance] over the Christmas holiday.”

For more information, contact the education office at (850) 283-4285.