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Education fair promotes college enrollment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Jeffers
  • 20th Fighter Wing / Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The education center held an education fair here, Oct. 2.

Ten colleges participated in the fair along with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Troops to Teachers and the Fort Jackson Education Center.

"The fair was to inspire (service members) to want to enroll in college, which makes for better-trained and more educated Airmen," said Don Ellwood, 20th Force Support Squadron chief of education and training.

Five of the schools that participated were on-base schools including the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Central Carolina Technical College, Saint Leo University, University of South Carolina Sumter, and Webster University.

Five off-base colleges also participated in the fair.

"People throughout the year visit our on-base schools, but they also have some interest in several other schools throughout the country," said Ellwood. "So what we did was invite five of the most popular off-base colleges with the Airmen."

University of Maryland University College, American Military University, Ashford University, and Troy University are four of the most popular tuition assistance-wise. The fifth school, called Limestone College, was very close to the base, said Ellwood.

Staff Sgt. Justin Old, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment mechanic, said there were lots of very good schools and many friendly people. He said he liked the many options available to him.

Troops to Teachers offers programs to help veterans train to become certified teachers. Along with Troops to Teachers, the DVA and the Fort Jackson Education Center also set up booths during the fair.

"Fort Jackson Education Center (was also invited) because we have Third Army on base and they have questions that can be better answered by Army counselors," said Ellwood.

"We want everyone to feel that education is important, desirable and a necessary part of their life in the Air Force," he continued