Edwards Education Fair opens doors to learning opportunities

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Club Muroc's Alliance Ballroom was the site for 40 universities and colleges to show base personnel what opportunities are out there to serve their education needs and wants.

The Edwards Air Force Base Education Office sponsored the Aug. 15 event where Airmen, civilians and high school students were invited to talk to college representatives and recruiters about what education paths and options are available to prospective students.

The fair featured local colleges like California State University Bakersfield; Cal State Dominguez Hills and Azusa Pacific Univ.; as well as online colleges that specialize in online degree programs like Grantham University, Penn State Online and Western International Univ.

Representatives from quite far like Hawai'i Pacific University and Southern New Hampshire Univ. also visited the High Desert.

Webster Univ., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ., and Cerro Coso Community College also attended the event, which have offices on base along with on-site classes.

"The Ed Fair is part of the Voluntary Education program which supports Air Force Development by maintaining a highly educated workforce," said Elizabeth Hodge, EAFB Education Office, Education Services specialist. "Voluntary Education supports off-duty education goals by contributing to occupational and institutional competencies, special interest needs, and readiness by supporting the present and anticipated needs of the Air Force."

Hodge said the Ed Fair further supports Air Force Materiel Command's Year of Continuing Education by emphasizing continuing education for all AFMC Airmen - enlisted, officer and civilian.

"Whether working on a Community College of the Air Force degree, undergraduate or graduate degree, license or certificate, education is a continuous process and the fair provides resources and tools to assist everyone in reaching their goals," said Hodge.

She added the event was a huge success with over 40 colleges and universities represented along with 120 military, civilian and military dependents participating.

The Education Center will sponsor another Ed Fair next summer along with mini ones along the way.

"If anyone missed out on the Ed Fair, there are still ways to obtain information on colleges and universities, and one way is to just stop by or schedule an appointment with the Education Center for counseling or advising by calling (661) 277-2713," said Sabrina Murray, EAFB Education Center, Education and Training chief. "Also, in the near future look for mini Ed Fair's that will be held on base by the Education Center."