MARINE + FAMILIES
Accessing Higher Education
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Preparing transitioning service members for college. Education is a one part of the puzzle when it comes to transitioning out of the military, but it’s a big, confusing piece that easily gets lost under the carpet. With endless possibilities, higher education can be a daunting task. The MCCS Education Centers provide assistance to service members transitioning into being a student as a civilian. Transition advisors provide weekly workshops for Marines, Sailors and spouses transitioning to civilian life who are interested in pursuing their college education. Advisors are also available for one-on-one consultation and assistance in helping Marines and Sailors find the right school and program for them. One workshop is called Accessing Higher Education, which is designed to assist transitioning service members with creating a customized plan for a successful transition to a higher education institution. Attendance of the two-day workshop serves as a guide to align attendees’ personal and career choices in choosing a degree program, choosing a college institution, funding options including: state and federal benefits, scholarships, grants and student loans as well as the admissions process. Attendees can wear appropriate civilian attire and spouses and high school students are also welcome to attend. MCCS Education Centers encourage participants to bring their own Wifi enabled laptops and tablets to class. This workshop is offered on Camp Foster on November 3 to 4 and December 1 to 2 and Camp Hansen on November 17 to 18 and December 15 to 16. All workshops are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 645-5778 to schedule attendance or email amy.duclos@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ educationandcareerservices.
Holidays at the Libraries Lots to do at your Camp Library this month. This month, why not set aside a moment to take things slow and spend some quality time with family? November is a time to re-connect with family and friends. Living overseas, we all are part of the Marine Corps family and MCCS Libraries provide opportunities for all to join together in different ways. During the rest of the year, many rarely prioritize what’s really important. Everyone could use a night to get together without worrying about rushing off to the next engagement. While heading off to the local library may not have been the first place that springs to your mind to get together with others, maybe it should be! There will be plenty to do for the whole family this holiday season at the libraries. On November 4, check out Military Family Game Night from 5 to 7 p.m. on Camps Courtney, Foster and Kinser. Anyone can get together with friends and loved ones to play board games (provided by the library, or bring your own). Refreshments will be available. On Veterans Day, November 11 and Thanksgiving Day, November 24 at libraries across the island, a wide assortment of refreshments and activities will be available for FREE. On November 11, activities will be themed to honor veterans and their services. On Thanksgiving day, craft activities, movies, board games and other fun opportunities will be available at all libraries. There is never a shortage of activities and always lots to do at your local library. Check out mccsokinawa.com/libraries for more details on all of their offerings and everything that is available, whether special events or everyday.
NOVEMBER 2016 | OKINAWA LIVING 45