Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Jiang | 170822-N-DA737-042 BREMERTON, Wash. (Aug. 22, 2017) Carlton Blaisdell, a Navy College...... read more read more
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Sailors gathered in USS John C. Stennis’ (CVN 74) hangar bay for a Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) sign-up event, Aug 22.
Representatives from NCPACE were available to inform Sailors about and sign them up for NCPACE courses.
“NCPACE is a program that’s been around over 30 years,” said Gilbert Williams, the Navy Voluntary Education region advisor for Navy Region Northwest. “It’s a program specifically designed for deployed ships and submarines where you don’t have to go online or don’t have to take any class at an actual campus.”
The regionally accredited courses are delivered by self-paced CD-ROM, DVD, MP4 and PDA delivery methods and can be completed at the Sailor’s own pace to accommodate life underway at sea.
Many online courses require Internet connectivity to submit assignments or to participate in chat functions, which could be difficult or impossible to do on a deployed ship or submarine, said Williams.
“The last time I took college classes [online], it was pretty difficult so I think NCPACE is going to make it a little bit easier,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Andrew Decamp, from Indianapolis. “If the internet goes down, it’s not going to hurt you because it’s at your own pace.”
NCPACE courses are also tuition free. Sailors only need to pay for textbooks and other educational materials.
“It’s a win-win for the Sailor,” said Williams. “It does not use tuition assistance dollars, it does not use G.I. Bill Benefits; it’s a free course. The only thing the Navy wants you to do is pass the class.”
Olympic College, Coast Line Community College and Vincennes University representatives were also present to talk to Sailors about the different educational opportunities available to them from their respective schools.
A college education will not only benefit Sailors after leaving the Navy but also open doors while they are still in.
Earning a degree can give Sailors advantages when it comes to pay grade advancement, said Lt. j.g. Gabriel Sanchez, John C. Stennis’ educational services officer, from Ruskin, Florida. Enlisted Sailors interested in officer programs should also look into continuing their education.
“If you can get your education while you’re still in the military, still on active duty, that is the best time,” said Kevin Askin, military educational advisor from Olympic College. “You’re not going to be racking up a huge bill later on in life. If you have the opportunity, I say go for it.”
John C. Stennis is in port training for future operations after completing its planned incremental availability (PIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility five days ahead of schedule. During PIA, the ship and shipyard team accomplished the largest work package ever for an aircraft carrier in a six-month availability.
For more news on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visit http://navy.mil/local/cvn74/ or www.facebook.com/stennis74.
| Date Taken: | 08.29.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.29.2017 17:56 |
| Story ID: | 246464 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 271 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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