Navy college program celebrates 50 years of educating, empowering sailors
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — It has been 50 years of educating and empowering for the Navy’s Voluntary Education Program, which is marking a milestone in the program’s history.
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, they held a graduation ceremony Tuesday morning at JEB Little Creek.
This program provides sailors access to educational resources and opportunities while in the service.
Through the Navy College for Achievement, sailors can enroll in a certificate or degree program with participating universities, regardless of where they’re stationed, and there’s a sense of accomplishment to walk across the stage at graduation, no matter how long it has taken.
Graduate Brian Hunt spent five years in the program studying criminal justice.
“Makes me feel good and it makes my kids feel good,” Hunt said.
And Hunt said he isn’t finished just yet.
“I’m going to work on my master’s degree,” Hunt said. “This was just a small step to complete the process.”
Because sailors move around a lot or could get deployed, this program allows them to complete school at a pace that fits their lifestyle. The program also accepts transfer credits and gives additional credits for Navy courses and experience.
“This is a win-win for everybody,” Jacqueline Rhodes said. “The service members as well as the military [are] getting educated, well-qualified people to stay and continue their education and grow.”
Since 1974, the Navy has spent almost $2 billion in tuition assistance for nearly 10 million course enrollments.
Rhodes has been involved with this program for three of the past five decades they’ve been in existence.
“I still see people in the grocery store letting me know how wonderful the experience was,” Rhodes said, “and providing the counseling and the mentorship and getting them through this program.”
And it’s especially a win for graduates like Hunt, an active duty father of four — and now college graduate.
“Hopefully it gives them something to look forward to,” Hunt said, “and something to work towards that I can still do at my age, being a dad and active duty.”
For more information on how to participate, call: 833-330-MNCC (6622), select option 3, “Education & Training,” then option 1 for “Navy TA & Counseling,” or text -877-838-1659 and live chat with a Navy College Education Counselor or click here to learn more.
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