ACES Newsletter - APRIL16

APRIL 19, 2016

Hohenfels Education Center News

HOHENFELS

ED CENTER 101 WELCOME TO YOUR EDUCATION

MEET THE STAFF LAUREN, EDUCATION COUNSELOR

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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

COUNSELOR CORNER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL ANSWERED

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BACK TO BASICS

Photo by Lorain Ambrocio

Ed Center offers various resources for Soldiers, Families The quick typing of keys echoes off the concrete walls in symphony with ringing telephones, shuffling papers, and greetings of "how can we help you today?"

“…help[ing] the service member and their family achieve educational success.”

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APRIL 19, 2016

Hohenfels Education Center News

Disguised as a traditional office building, the Hohenfels Education Center is a hub that can be used by Soldiers, their Families, and Department of Defense Civilians for all things education-related.

When it comes to paying for classes, Soldiers can receive counseling on tuition assistance and can learn how to have their college classes paid for by the Army through TA or other federal funds.

VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

Monthly Tips for:

GoArmyEd’s VIA

Family members who are enrolled in classes while their sponsor is Active Duty Military can take advantage of MyCAA—a program that helps spouses pay for their tuition—or FAFSA, federal aid available to anyone who is eligible and fills out the online application.

The HEC also administers a variety of tests for Soldiers and Civilians, such as the ACT exam to submit to colleges when applying, or the AFCT exam, which can help raise the Soldier's GT score.

The Army Learning Center computer lab in the HEC is available to all CAC-holders or dependents of the sponsor for completing training modules, course work, last-minute research papers, or the occasional Facebook break. Printing is limited to five pages per person.

If a Soldier or their Family member wants face-to-face interaction with the school they are attending, the HEC has four on-site school representatives—University of Maryland University College, Central Texas College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and Oklahoma University—that are easily accessible for any questions and up-to-date information.

The HEC has two annexes across the street that are home to additional computer labs and classrooms. These rooms are used by the on-site school representatives and their instructors for their evening classes or can be reserved by any CAC-holder personnel to be used for briefings or other classes.

Whether it be receiving counseling on benefits, scheduling an exam, or enrolling in upcoming classes, the HEC is much more than a pit-stop for paperwork. Despite the ever-changing staff, the center's goal has stayed the same and will always be the number one priority—to help Service Members and their Families achieve educational success.

GoArmyEd now requires soldiers to set their degree and homeschool using the VIA tool. Upon logging in to their account, soldiers can enter the VIA portal by selecting “Change degree/ school” on their homepage.

They will then answer the questionnaire, and following completion will be able to select their desired school and degree.

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APRIL 19, 2016

Hohenfels Education Center News

VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

Meet the Staff - Lauren O’Reilly, Education Counselor From Alabama, to Georgia, to Kansas, Lauren O’Reilly

went through four duty stations before her husband received orders of a new duty station in Hohenfels, Germany. Teaching English and reading at the middle and high schools off post, Lauren wanted to continue being employed once her and her family made the big move overseas. After realizing the scarcity in teaching jobs once in Hohenfels, Lauren found herself applying to the position of education counselor at the Hohenfels Education Center.

“I wanted to still be in an educational setting,” Lauren said, and she was soon accepted for the position.

Photo by Lorain Ambrocio

Now, instead of teaching young children and teenagers how to read critically or the works of Shakespeare, Lauren is teaching Soldiers of all ages the importance of obtaining an education while still serving in the Army or after getting out.

“The best thing about working here would be getting soldiers started in school for the first time, whether they are 19 or 39,” Lauren said. “It is never too late to start, and an education is one of the most valuable assets you can take away after your military service.”

“It is never too late Lauren counsels Soldiers, Family Members, and Department of Defense to start… an Civilians on how to choose a school that is regionally accredited, how to education is one of the most valuable enroll in classes and pay for them with tuition assistance or FAFSA, assets you can veteran affairs benefits, and how to request a joint services transcript. take away after Anyone seeking help from the education counselor does not need an your military appointment and are welcome to sit down and discuss any issues with service.”

Lauren at any time.

“If [soldiers] have any questions, please come in and talk with me,” Lauren said. “Do not take what your most-likely-well-intentioned buddy is telling you about how the GI Bill or TA works because he might have incorrect information that could only confuse you more.”

Lauren O’Reilly may be reached at DSN 466-2882 or lauren.k.oreilly.ctr@mail.mil.

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APRIL 19, 2016

VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

Hohenfels Education Center News

Need to take a test?

These are our upcoming test dates!

Testing appointments must be made prior to testing. Call Candice Haines at 466-4040 for scheduling.

APR

2016

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

01

02

SIFT 27

28 ASVAB

03

AFCT 04

Closed, Training Holiday

10

24

DLPT

SIFT

DLAB

DLPT

ACT

14

20

09

15

16

22

23

29

30

ASVAB 21

DLAB 27

08 ACT

DLAB

DLPT 26

Closed, Training Holiday

07

13

19

25

DLAB

DLPT

Open

31

06

12

18 Pre-FAST TABE

30

05

11 Pre-FAST TABE

17

29

Open 28

Pre-FAST TABE

01

02

Counselor Corner

As your education counselor, I am here to assist you with any questions you may have about going to school or money for school, whether that means using tuition assistance, the GI Bill, scholarships, or financial aid. I would also love to help with issues regarding GoArmyEd, the VIA tool in GoArmyEd, and your Joint Services Transcripts. Each newsletter, I will be answering a commonly asked question I hear from service members who stop by my office.

Photo by Lorain Ambrocio

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APRIL 18, 2016

VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

Hohenfels Education Center News

TODAY’S QUESTION IS:

APO 4G

14:17

Counselor Hey, I can’t figure out which school to pick :( How do I know if I’m making the right choice?

Hey SPC Smith, don’t sweat it! Here’s what you need to do.

Check if the school is regionally accredited.

This should be on the school’s website. This makes sure that school is following the highest standards for your education :) It is :D Now what?

Look around the website a little, and see if you can find special military rates.

That way you can use TA for as much as possible, $250 per credit hour, and pay nothing out of pocket!

Make sure the program you want is all online, since you’ll be taking most of your classes that way here in Germany. Good luck!

Thanks! :D Delivered

HEC NEWS

N. Lorain Ambrocio 2016

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