Educational opportunities available for Team Scott Published Feb. 25, 2009 By Scott Education Office 375th AW SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Continuing Education is on the mind of many servicemembers. Whether to advance in their careers or achieve their own personal goals, education plays an important role in the lives of military members of Team Scott. The Scott Education Office currently has a number of workshops and classes for students ranging from first-time college students interested in earning their Community College of the Air Force degree to officers interested in career development courses. First-time college orientation College can be a daunting experience. Frustration with degree requirements, course transfer and financial aid often cause members to delay enrollments creating, a negative domino effect on member's career and attainment of personal goals. The Scott Education Center has started a program to help demystify some of these issues surrounding college enrollment, transfers, tuition assistance and many other college related issues. The first seminar was held Feb. 11 with great turnout, according to Roland Smith the Education and Training Manager at the Education Center. "The folks who attended have had their virtual education records updated and are on their way to success," he said. The one-hour seminars are geared toward first-time college students prior to them requesting tuition assistance. "The orientation definitely reduces the learning curve associated with obtaining a college degree and applying for and using tuition assistance and the G.I. Bill," said Mr. Smith. "The orientation's goal is also to help understand the ins and outs of obtaining a CCAF degree and further degree programs." Military students that have been out of college for awhile, and supervisors, are encouraged to attend the course as well to increase their educational awareness tools. The Education Center plans to hold the class monthly with the next orientation scheduled March 11 at 9 a.m. Air War College Senior professional military education is more important than ever in today's competitive and complex world. The Air War Colleges 17th Edition distant learning program seminar is now being offered at the Scott Education Center. "The AWC seminar program is a great way to complete senior PME," said Mr. Smith. "Seminar meetings combine self study with an informal meeting environment conducive to learning. "Not only can you draw knowledge from the course materials, but you can also exchange concepts with other leaders, greatly enhancing your learning process," he added. The AWC program is open to all lieutenant colonel selectees and above of any component of the DoD as well as federal GS-13 and above employees and involves a variety of senior leadership issues. "The curriculum closely parallels the resident course, and emphasizes joint operations, senior leadership issues, national security strategy, regional studies and the employment of air and space power," said Mr. Smith. The Scott Education Office will hold an initial organizational and informative meeting March 11 at noon in the Education Center. At the initial meeting, a seminar chairperson and alternate are appointed and AWC meeting location details are determined. Seminar/study groups meet weekly, usually lasting one to two hours. Air Command and Staff College The ACSC nonresident program provides intermediate developmental education to majors/major-selects or civilian equivalent personnel. The curriculum consists of seven courses, to be completed in the following order: The Challenges of Leadership and Command, National Security, Strategy and War, Expeditionary Air and Space Power, Joint Forces, Planning Joint Operations and Joint Air Operations. The seminar program will meet March 12 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Education Center. "Seminar groups typically meet weekly for one to two hours and complete the course curriculum in 10 to 12 months," said Mr. Smith. Scott Education Center important dates Friday - All CCAF graduation requirement material is due to qualify for the April 30 graduation. Monday - General Education Mobile will be at the Education Center, a partnership between CCAF and civilian academic institutions to bring a cluster of online education classes to military members. Tuesday and Wednesday - Scott Showcase program kicks off at the Education Center. An opportunity for Team Scott to meet face-to-face with local schools and have their questions answered about degree programs, tuition costs and other school specific questions. March 5 - Placement exams for Southwestern Illinois College Spring Semester. March 16 - Park University Spring II term starts. For more information regarding any of these events, or to register for classes, call the Scott Education Center at 256-3327.