Education center helps Airmen continue education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kelsey Waters
  • 100 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL,England --  For Airmen who want to further their education, the RAF Mildenhall Education Center can help.

"The education center exists so people can keep learning while they are in the Air Force," said Roger Wilson, 100th Force Support Squadron education and training chief from Melbourne, Fla.

The education center houses five different schools that are available on base to Airmen and their families. They are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Oklahoma, University of Phoenix, Central Texas College and University of Maryland University College.

"We have 86 programs available that range from associate degree programs to a doctorate degree program that is offered through OU," said Wilson.

Active duty students can use tuition assistance to help pay for degrees up to their post graduate degrees, Wilson said.

"Our counselors will help students figure out how use to their benefits. It's our job to make sure that our students get the best head start that they can," said Wilson.

The education center offers college preparation briefings to explain what options are available for Airmen when it comes to continuing their education. The center also offers a briefing to enlisted members about commissioning.

"We have a briefing on the different ways to commission twice a month, and I explain step-by-step the different ways enlisted members can apply to commission and which programs would work best for them," said Tarrell Matthews, 100th Force Support Squadron counselor from San Diego.

The education center also offers college entrance exams, language tests and the College Level Examination Program exam.

"It's our job to make sure we help people further their education, because eventually they are going to get out of the military, and they need to be able to compete in the civilian job market," said Matthews.

For more information about the programs, contact the education center at DSN 238-2350 or commercial at 01638-542350.