Heading up the learning curve Published July 23, 2007 By Dr. Jill Fuson 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Knowledge is power and the staff at the RAF Lakenheath Education Center is armed with resources needed to further anyone's education. Counselors are available to advise and assist in planning and achieving professional and personal educational goals. Even in today's world of inconsistent work schedules, deployments and family responsibilities, the Education Center provides many options for a smooth educational journey. From face-to-face classes to online distant learning, opportunities are available for Airmen, spouses and civilians to fulfill their educational needs. "The Education Services provides cost-effective, quality on-base degree programs that support the United States Air Force's recruitment, retention and readiness programs and our customers' personal and professional education goals," said Tom Langdon, Director of Education Services. "As of today, there are 1,049 individuals actively enrolled and taking classes in 2,454 classes at RAF Lakenheath." One of the opportunities available for Airmen is the Community College of the Air Force; the largest multi-campus community college in the world. The hallmark of CCAF's success is not its size, but rather the attention given to individual students and their educational needs. Established in 1972, CCAF partners with major universities and colleges offering classes assisting Airmen in obtaining an associates degree in applied science in their career field by accepting technical school training as college credits. The beginning of 2007 brought a new educational requirement for promotion beyond master sergeant. Senior non-commissioned officers must now complete their CCAF degree to receive a senior rater's endorsement on their enlisted performance report. Even though the CCAF degree has always been an unwritten requirement that was enforced subjectively at various installations, the new requirement makes it completely objective and fair across the board. Recently launched was the AU ABC program which is a new initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions offering baccalaureate degree opportunities to Airmen via distant learning. AU ABC applies CCAF degree credits towards baccalaureate degrees and requires the completion 60 semester hours after earning an Associate in Applied Science degree. Serving as the gateway to the program, the Air Force Virtual Education Center provides student services such as on-line enrollment, tuition assistance processing, support services and access to distant learning instructions. Students will be able to participate in courses anywhere, anytime and earn their career-relevant bachelor's degree. With the Active Duty Tuition Assistance Program providing 100% tuition and fees for college classes taken by personnel during off-duty hours, it is advantageous for all Airmen to further their education. TA is capped at $250 per semester hour and a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year. Airmen can also receive up to $9,000 in TA for one certification/licensure/diploma during their Air Force career regardless of their existing attained education level. "To date, $1.4 million worth of TA has been used by active duty Airmen with the possibility this figure will reach over the $2.0 million mark by year end. These figures are a reflection on how leadership supports the education program," said Mr. Langdon. There is also a Spouse Tuition Assistance Program sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society. This program is to provide tuition assistance to spouses of active duty Airmen stationed at overseas locations. Financial aid is capped at $344 or 50 percent of tuition per term, whichever is less. Tuition can only be applied to courses/programs offered by contracted on-base institutions. In conjunction with testing services, counseling and on-site institutions of higher education, the education center features information on many other programs such as: · Officer Training School · Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps · Airmen Education and Commissioning Program · Airmen Scholarship and Commission Program · Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program · Scholarship for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC · Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program · United States Academy Take advantage to the many educational opportunities at the Education center. Counselors are available to guide individuals in the direction needed to meet their educational needs. For more information, call 226-3856 or stop by building 948.