DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Dyess hosted its first ever College Credit Exam Marathon October 27-29, with credits for those testing going towards their Community College of the Air Force degree, Bachelors of Arts or Science degree, commissioning pre-requisites and Professional Manager Certifications.
During this marathon, Dyess Airmen and families were able to take advantage of expanded daily test sessions to earn college credits via College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
“Senior Airman Jessica Deal and I both understand the importance, and benefits, higher education can bring to an Airman’s career,” said Senior Airman Abbey Damore, 436th Training Squadron instructional media designer. “We wanted to bring an event to Dyess that would allow Airmen to more easily achieve their educational goals, so we talked about a Clepathon and then went to the education center to get the process started.”
The event was open to active duty Airmen, reservists, guardsmen, veterans, retirees and family members. There were more than 95 attendees over the three-day period with more than 155 exams given.
“This event gave Airmen of any work schedule an opportunity to complete exams for any credits they may need,” said Mrs. Jacquline Vesey, 7th Force Support Squadron education services officer. “Higher education contributes to a well-rounded, educated force full of Airmen ready to meet mission and professional needs.”
The turn-out for this event was so overwhelming, that the education office is planning to offer these marathons at least once, if not twice, a year now.
“I would love to see another CLEP marathon, I was able to complete 12 college credits in just a few days,” said Airman 1st Class Alicia Contreras, 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate military justice paralegal. “Many Airmen came out for an opportunity to not only better their education, but to better themselves and that alone means better educated Airmen in our Air Force.”
For more information about testing, or a list of CLEP and DANTES exams available please go to the Education Center’s webpage at http://dyessfss.com/education.html.