Representatives from the Navy College Learning Center (NCLC) at Naval Base Kitsap are meeting with Sailors onboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to discuss various topics concerning educational goals.

NCLC recently formed a partnership with the Educational Services Office (ESO) on Stennis allowing representatives to utilize the Command Career Counselors’ office every Wednesday to speak with Sailors one-on-one.

“We discuss their education goals and how to earn a college degree while in the Navy or in civilian life,” said Ygnacio Espinoza, Navy College advisor. “Another important topic of discussion is the financing of the Sailor’s education.  Sailors have an advantage over civilian students. They get free money to help pay for their education under the Navy Tuition Assistance Program. Currently the Navy will give each Sailor up to $3,000 per fiscal year to help pay for college.”

Espinoza said NCLC is the Navy liaison to local area colleges. There are currently 78 colleges offering two-year associate’s degrees and 50, four-year colleges offering bachelor’s degree. Espinoza said NCLC does not represent any particular college; they represent the Sailors, helping them find the best college to achieve their educational goals.

Setting and attaining goals is a primary concern to Capt. David Buss, Stennis commanding officer.  During the ship’s recent deployment in the Western Pacific, Buss had each Stennis Sailor set both short and long-term goals and work to accomplish them. The program, “Marks on the Bulkhead” was largely successful. Stennis Sailors are now concentrating on completing a second phase of “Marks on the Bulkhead” during the ship’s dry dock period. And this time, there’s a bigger emphasis on getting an education.

ESO serves as the educational link to the crew. They provide the necessary information, tools and resources to help Sailors get an education. Warrant Officer George Williams, educational services officer, said a good education is vital for the Navy’s most important resources, the Sailors.

“An education is something that can’t be taken away,” said Williams. “Pretty soon, a college education will be required to advance, so start now.”

ESO is scheduled to host a commissioning fair Wednesday, March 16, where officers will speak with enlisted Sailors about such things as Officer Candidate School, the Naval Academy, the Seaman to Admiral Program, and other ways to get a commission. Also planned is a college fair Wednesday, March 23, where Sailors can meet with representatives from local area colleges.

According to Espinoza, Sailors who wish to sign up for college courses can visit the Naval Base Kitsap Navy College office to establish an education plan.

“They should bring a copy of any prior college transcripts and a well thought-out education goal,” said Espinoza. They should take the ASSET test, which is a placement test to determine a student’s English and math skill levels. This exam is a requirement before taking freshman-level English and math classes. Colleges normally charge for this exam but our Sailors can take it for free at the Navy College Office.”

To schedule an appointment to speak with an NCLC representative, contact the ESO office at 476-3248.