By Holly Desrosier
Craven Community College (Craven CC) is offering a Lunchtime Learning opportunity for active duty military and their families. Students will be able to work toward a college degree without having to leave the base or take time out of an already busy day.
The Lunchtime Learning program provides a convenient school schedule for working Marines. Instead of trying to balance going to class after work or on the weekends, attending during their lunch breaks leaves that time open to do homework or spend time with their families. It also allows them to stay in uniform and head right back to work after class.
The program is offering five curriculum classes for the fall semester, including Writing and Inquiry, Writing and Research, American History II and General Psychology. Credits earned can be used toward an associate degree or transferred to a four-year university.
“The program is designed to assist the active duty service member with another option as to when to get their education,” said Mitch Martin, Craven CC coordinator of military affairs. “If they can get away from work during their lunchtime, they can get a class in during the daytime. This frees the student up to use their evenings for extra study time or put in another class during that time.”
Lunchtime Learning classes are offered in eight-week terms for two days per week from 11:40 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. Registration is open for the fall semester at both campuses and online through Aug. 17.
“The eight-week terms allow the service member to maximize their tuition benefits by doing accelerated courses,” said Martin. “Then they can sign up for more classes and make full use of the $4,500 a year that the active duty service member can use for education.”
For more information, contact Martin at 252-444-6003 or martinmi@cravencc.edu.
The Havelock campus offers additional educational options for service members that include the Military Academic Skills Program and the Tools for Advanced Manufacturing for Veterans.
The Military Academic Skills Program opens employment and educational opportunities through courses that focus on reading, grammar and mathematics skills. Classes meet every weekday for eight hours over a three-week period and upon completion, students are tested on the Testing of Basic Education (TABE) test to determine improvement from initial TABE test taken on the first day of class.
The Tools for Advanced Manufacturing for Veterans helps veterans connect their existing military skills and experience to civilian careers in the manufacturing industry. Veterans who participate in the program receive certification in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, OSHA 30-Hour Industrial Safety, Forklift Operator, Precision Measurement and ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness. The program is free for veterans and service members.
The next available classes for the Military Academic Skills Program and the Tools for Advanced Manufacturing will take place Sept. 10-28. For more information about these two programs, contact Kim Zaccardelli at 252-444-6013 or zaccardk@cravencc.edu.