Education Center advisor launches EAP

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tory Patterson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Dyess’ Education and Training Center hopes to increase the number of Airmen on base working towards their Community College of the Air Force, or CCAF, degree. The CCAF Advisor is leading the charge by establishing an Education Ambassadors Program, or EAP, at Dyess Air Force Base.

 

Brittany Morris, 7th Force Support Squadron CCAF advisor, says her personal goal is to inform every Dyess Airman of available education options. However, that is a large task for one person. Morris has thought of a solution though. She’s working to create a network of Airmen, or ambassadors, who have either completed or earned 45 credits toward their CCAF degree.

 

“Education Ambassadors are members who are interested in higher education and who want to promote that across the Air Force,” said Morris.

 

She also clarified what Education Ambassadors aren’t.

 

“You’re not a parent and we understand you’re not a professional counselor; the main thing is to be available to your Wingmen,” she continued.

 

Primarily, Morris and the Education and Training Center team are looking for professional individuals who encourage education, are willing to participate in study groups, and able to walk other Airmen through functions on the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) website like viewing CCAF Web Progress Reports and submitting Tuition Assistance requests.

 

“Degree programs can sometimes get very technical, so that is what I am here for as the CCAF Advisor,” said Morris. “But Education Ambassadors are trusted allies and advocates; their primary objectives are to listen, establish positive relationships with their mentees, and assist them in accessing academic and base resources.”

 

Morris, a lifelong Texas resident, started working at the Dyess Education Center in 2019. She explained that she has been enrolled in college courses since the age of 16, and is dedicated to helping people navigate their educational goals.

 

As a first-generation college graduate, Morris said her parents inspired her journey.

 

“My parents didn’t have the opportunity to attend college, so they always reinforced the importance of education; they’d say ‘You have opportunities we don’t have,” shared Morris. “You can do great things with education, it opens so many doors.”

 

In the future, Morris envisions having multiple Education Ambassadors in every squadron. The overall theory behind the EAP is that the Education Center has the correct information, and ambassadors will help push people toward advisors.

 

“I love education and am more than willing to make an appointment and sit down with individuals one-on-one to explore how they would like to start their education goals,” said Morris.

 

To make an appointment with your CCAF Advisor or learn how to be involved in the Education Ambassador Program, call the 7th Force Support Squadron’s Education Center at (325) 696-5544 or e-mail 7FSS.fsde@us.af.mil.