JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Through partnership with the Air Force Aid Society, the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Airman and Family Readiness Center is debuting a program called "Education on the Go!" offering 40 scholarships to spouses of active-duty Air Force members to enroll in an online class.
Scholarship applications will be available at the A&FRC, building 693, starting Tuesday. Spouses must submit an application and a one-page essay to be considered. Awardees then enroll in one selfpaced, six-week course of their choice to become certified in Microsoft programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
"The idea is for spouses to polish up or learn computer skills," Criselda Smith, A&FRC community readiness consultant, said. "This is an opportunity for them to enhance their resumes, look for better jobs or become more confident."
Classes begin July 17, but spouses can opt to start Aug. 21, Sept. 18 or Oct. 16 as long as applications are turned in a month before the desired start date.
"As a military spouse, I know schedules can be unpredictable, especially in the summer," Smith said. "We want to be flexible so that spouses can be in control here."
Students can expect two assignments every week, culminating in a final exam on week six. Online instructors will be available for help.
Courses can be accessed from a home computer, but spouses may visit the A&FRC or the Randolph Library, building 598, to complete classwork, Smith said.
"It's a competitive job market out there," Ray Ramos, A&FRC community readiness consultant, said. "This program is 'win-win' for spouses because it's free (via scholarship) and it gives them a better chance to succeed in the market.
"And if the program is successful, it can open the door for more opportunities."
To pick up an application, visit the A&FRC. Military partners may also contact their Key Spouse Program representative to have an application emailed to them, Smith said.
For more information, call the A&FRC at 652-5321.