McConnell, WSU finalize education partnership

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 22d Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

More than a year ago, McConnell Air Force Base began researching a new program intended to not only improve the careers of young Airmen, but set them up for success following their Air Force careers. Since then, Team McConnell has worked to build Airmen who will be valuable assets to the local community when they depart from the military through civilian certifications in addition to their military experience.

 

McConnell has finalized a partnership with Wichita State University to help Airmen receive credentials for the jobs they are already qualified to fill, in addition to offering more degree programs at McConnell’s education center. The degree program is a project that benefits both Airmen and the communities they call home.

 

“Our most incredible asset is our Airmen,” said Olson. “Airmen are the lethal edge that make our Air Force the most agile in the world. This program bridges the gap between the great experience our Airmen get here and the skills they can bring to the local community. This degree validates those credentials and puts those skills into a language the civilian community speaks.”

 

Not only will WSU certify those with equivalent training for their respective career fields, but they will also will soon be offering business, computer information systems, cybersecurity, psychology and sociology Bachelor degree programs to on-base attendees. Classes for these programs are offered in the evenings and began in October for the second half of the term. There is talk of scheduling classes during lunch break times and weekends in the future.

 

An additional program, strategic leadership, is uniquely paired with skills Airmen learn in the Maintenance Group and credits them with an Airframe and Powerplant certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

When students attend class on base, they are exempt from all campus fees. Airmen will only have to pay tuition, making it virtually free for those who receive Tuition Assistance.

 

There has been an education center on base, but this expanded the opportunities available. In recent years, McConnell has not had any Bachelor’s programs that were live-instructed. Other universities on base offer Associate’s and Master’s degree programs, and video-instructed Bachelor’s programs.

 

Once this was realized, the base sent a notice seeking a university who could fulfill this requirement. WSU jumped on the opportunity and began the process to provide education on base.

 

Now that the process of moving on base is coming to a close, WSU can begin offering a service that benefits both the community on and off base.

 

“I’m proud to watch this journey come to a close,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jaime Capps, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief. “We fight every day for these opportunities for our Airmen, and it’s a great feeling to see something happen that benefits everyone involved.”