Education center ready to assist Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Education plays an important role in society and the MacDill Air Force Base education center is prepared to help Airmen and their families reach their educational goals.

Equipped with multiple colleges, the academic counselors are available to guide prospective students on countless career paths and opportunities, as well as educating them on benefits available at MacDill.

Whether pursuing a degree for personal reasons, strengthening a career or completing a branch-specific degree such as a Community College of the Air Force associate degree, the education office can assist.

"It doesn't matter which school you approach here, we will direct you towards the one that best fits you," said David Skaer, Ph.D., Saint Leo University academic advisor.

In additon to St. Leo, MacDill's education center offers face-to-face classes at Hillsborough Community College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Learey Technical Center.
When striving to achieve education goals, figuring out what is needed can be overwhelming. The counselors at the education center specialize in helping service members and their families navigate the right educational path. They continue guidance until those goals are met.

Many have heard of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, tuition assistance, and the certification program-- which funds one certification during a military career. These three programs assist funding education for military members and possibly families.

"Tuition assistance has allowed me to further my education while serving in the military without the fear of being inundated with thousands of dollars in student loans," said Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis, 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs. "Before joining the military I had to fund the cost of my education, which resulted in me only attending part-time or skipping the semester due to finances."

Counselors can show military members how obtain up to a master's degree, paid for without touching their Post-9/11 GI Bill, according to Jacqueline DeRocco, 6th Force Support Squadron education center academic counselor.

The base education center offers monthly classes on educational benefits, as well as one-on-one counseling to tackle any questions.

For more, visit the MacDill education office in the base library or call 828-3115.