An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Event brings potential students, educators together for ‘The Way Ahead’

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa Estevez
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Education Office hosted "The Way Ahead" education fair Aug. 5 at the Education and Training Center.

The fair was held in the Education Center to help people interact in the classroom environment and make a connection between the site and their educational needs.

"Having it in our own environment allows them to actually associate academic advisors with our Scott campus," said Roland Smith, 375th Force Support Squadron Manager of Education and Training.

Civilians, servicemembers from every military branch, enlisted and officer, and their family members attended this event.

Approximately 37 schools attended and there were also representatives from Air Force and Army ROTC, Air Force E-Learning, The Airman and Family Readiness Center, and the Southwestern Illinois College National Test Center, which is where the Scott community can test for college credits.

The education fair had multiple tables throughout the building, each representing a single school or organization. Every table was filled with a variety of information, such as how to obtain a certification, undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Representatives from every school assisted in answering questions specific to every individual and steering everyone in the right direction according to their situation.

The schools aim to provide an education plan for every individual regardless of age or time constraints. Some schools offer a specific evening and weekend program for individuals with a busy schedule.

The USO of Missouri mobile unit was posted at the education center to support the fair and provide free light refreshments such as cookies, chips, water and hot dogs.

Tests, such as College Level Examination Program, or CLEP, or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, or DSST are administered at the National Test Center. DSSTs are credit-by-examination tests originated by the United States Department of DANTES.

"We had a total of 40 personnel (military, civilians, dependents) stop by our National Test Center during the Education Fair," said Lois LaFleur, Southwestern Illinois College Site Administrator at the Education Center. "Thirteen students signed up to take a total of 16 CLEP/DSST exams during the month of August."

All students who signed up Aug. 5-6 for a CLEP and/or DSST exam and complete that exam by Aug. 31 are eligible for a basket drawing full of college items from the institutions that attended the Education Fair.