JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The Herbert Bateman Education Center at Joint Base Langley-Eustis has many programs and opportunities for service members to take advantage of to reach their educational goals.
Whether working toward a high school diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree; using scholarships, tuition assistance, or the G.I. Bill, the journey starts with a visit with the guidance counselors at the education center.
Education Counselors: Getting started
To help service members take advantage of educational benefits, the Herbert Bateman Education Center guidance counselors at Joint Base Langley-Eustis assist service members in navigating education programs, selecting degree plans and conducting official testing for career and education advancement.
Prior to coming in to speak with a counselor, it is recommend Soldiers create a profile on the GoArmyEd website, www.goarmy.ed, to get an idea of the educational direction they wish to take.
After creating an account, Soldiers can navigate through questions which allow them to compare career paths using data sources. Based on the individual’s profile, the website then recommends and compares degrees and schools to help prepare their education and career path.
While all Soldiers are encouraged to create an account through www.goarmy.ed, guidance counselors are available to answer questions regarding tuition assistance, G.I. Bill use, and to schedule basic skills improvement classes.
“The website has a vast range of information. (It) has the capability to make recommendations on degree plans and allows you to compare schools that offer what you want to go to school for,” said Stephanie Bingham-Tillman, Herbert Bateman Education Center guidance counselor. “The site can be overwhelming at first because there is so much information, so we’re here to help guide individuals through, in order to meet their goals.”
Skill specialty programs and advancement tests
Soldiers who wish to transition to a different career field or want to prepare for college entrance tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, American College Testing or placement tests, can sign up for the Basic Skills Improvement program hosted by the education center. Soldiers must take the Test of Adult Basic Education to establish their highest level and receive approval from their commander before attending the three-week class.
“This class is a great refresher for individuals who wish to raise their tests scores in order to go into a different specialty or prepare for those required tests to get into most colleges,” said Bingham-Tillman. “The instructor doesn’t teach the tests—she teaches basic mathematics, reading, spelling and vocabulary tips to help them score higher on the tests they plan to take.”
The education center is also a national testing center for College-Level Examination Program and Dantes Standardized Subject Tests, proctored by Saint Leo University. The tests allow individuals to earn college credits without sitting through a course and are available to active duty, Guard and Reserve service members with all fees waived.
College and University information
Additionally, representatives from national, regional and local colleges are on site to provide information for students and offer classes in the evenings for service members who wish to earn credits in a classroom environment.
“The room with all of the pamphlets from other schools is my favorite room in the center,” said Bingham-Tillman. “Soldiers should never leave the center empty handed because there is such a large variety of schools that want to work with military members, and provide the information and support they need.”
While the staff at the education center spend most of their time focusing on Soldiers, they welcome all other U.S. service members and spouses to help them achieve their education and career advancement goals.
Contact information
Counseling is available by appointment each week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Walk-ins are available on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1500 Madison Avenue. For more information on other provided services or to schedule an appointment, contact the Herbert Bateman Education Center at 878-2083 extension 221.