An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

NEWS | Aug. 17, 2018

JBA hosts education fair

By Senior Airman Abby L. Richardson 11th Wing Public Affairs

Sifting through countless college websites and admissions brochures can be time-consuming. With all of the choices available to those seeking higher education, choosing the right school can seem like a daunting task.

The 11th Force Support Squadron’s education office helped navigate this process by hosting an education fair here Aug. 16.

“The education fair is a great way for us to bring in a lot of the schools throughout the U.S. and have their representatives here and have them be available for all of our base population,” said Kimberly Clemmons, 11th Force Support Squadron education services specialist.

The fair gave anyone with base access, interested in earning a degree or continuing education, a chance to talk to representatives from over 30 colleges and universities.

“They’re getting a broad stroke of different types of colleges and universities and programs that are out there, so they can go out and fulfill their goals of their education,” Clemmons said.

Prospective students wandered between booths set up by the different schools and took advantage of the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with representatives.

At each booth, potential students learned about topics such as admissions processes, degree programs and school offerings.

“Before I came here I did a little bit of research on who I wanted to talk to,” said Airman 1st Class Emily Gaster, 11th Medical Group cardiopulmonary lab technician. “It’s just really convenient. I’m a face-to-face kind of person, so seeing people and talking to them is easier.”

Gaster hopes to start taking classes while working as an active-duty Airman and was glad to find the information she needed at the fair.
“I learned that going to school is going to be easier than I thought it’d be in the military,” Gaster said.

For Clemmons, Gaster’s experience at the event was a goal attained.

“I know when I was starting the college process, I worried that I couldn’t hack it,” said Clemmons. “I just hope the Airmen can come out and speak with the representatives. [That they can] walk in the door and be like, ‘yeah, this is doable.”

For anyone who seeks assistance in higher learning, the education center is available to help. They offer a full range of services, such as providing college-search resources and guidance about accessing tuition assistance. For more information, call the education center at 301-981-6377.