MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marine Corps Base Hawaii Education Center personnel hosted Military Academic Skills Program courses at the center Nov. 14 which will continue through Dec. 13, 2013.
The purpose of the program is to provide Marines, particularly those transitioning to the civilian world, the chance to develop academic proficiency in reading, communication and testing in math and English courses. Career Marines have the opportunity to improve academic skills as well.
Craig Lockwood, the lead education specialist at the Education Center, said the long-running program has been on site for approximately 13 years.
“We average about 12 people each class,” Lockwood said. “The program is designed for Marines who have been out of school for a long period of time and acts as a refresher before they return to school. Readiness for career development and higher education is enhanced through this program.”
The Nov. 14 class met in the morning for math class, went to lunch and reconvened for English class in the afternoon.
Jerry Bruce, a math teacher with the State of Hawaii Department of Education and native of Kailua, Hawaii, said most of the students in his class were near the end of their enlistment.
“Quite a few students have already applied or talked to different colleges,” Bruce said. “For those staying in, education has to be a priority for advancement with promotion points. Anything you can do to give yourself a leg up makes you a better person. These students also have the chance to interact with Marines from different units.”
Although the day-long class, is primarily for service members, it is also open to spouses. Marines may participate during any period of their enlistment with the approval of their command.
Bruce said some Marines may be a little scared of returning to a classroom setting and this program can ease their concerns.
“I’ve taught combat veterans who were nervous about quizzes,” Bruce said. “The main focus is to spend time getting used to being students again and clear out cobwebs. Participants don’t receive college credit for this program, so they get out what they put in.”
Cpl. Ryan Kirby, machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Dallas, Ga., said some of his friends went through the program two months ago and suggested the program to him.
“I’m following the same path as them with getting out and returning to school, so they suggested the program to me as a good refresher,” the 24-year-old said. “I plan to attend Kennesaw State University in Georgia with a major in exercise health science and minor in nutrition. My military background can only help further my success paired with education.”
Kirby said he is curious to see how much he knows and forgot during his six-year lapse from school and feels that the program will better prepare him for future education.
For more information about MASP or other education questions, contact the MCB Hawaii Education Center at 257-2158.