Life after the military
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Soldiers contemplating retirement or enhancing their education have the chance to see what options are available in their post-military life.
That was the goal of the second annual Petawawa Education Fair hosted Thursday by the CFB Petawawa Base Personnel Selection Office.
Inside Dundonald Hall, colleges, universities and a selection of adult high schools set up information booths in hopes of answering questions about programming and signing up new students down the road.
The aim of the fair was to make military members and their dependents aware of what colleges are out there and what programs they offer if visitors choose to seek professional development by way of a diploma, a degree or a professional designation, explained Base Petawawa Personnel Selection Officer Lieut. Madonna Drogosiewicaz.
“For members who are releasing, there are opportunities here for them,” said Drogosiewicaz. “For serving members, it is a wonderful form of professional development. Education is the key.”
Among the eight universities and seven colleges were representatives from Ottawa University, Laurentian University, Fanshawe College, Royal Military College, Cambrian College, Canadore College, Athabasca University, St. Lawrence College, and Nipissing University and Algonquin College. For the first time, the base hosted Royal Roads Military College from Victoria and American Military University (AMU), based out of West Virginia. While it remains one of the most respected providers of higher education for the U.S. Armed Forces, AMU offers online degree and certificate programs that cover topics such as intelligence, criminal justice, transportation logistics and emergency management.
“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback from the soldiers and a lot of participation from spouses,” said Drogosiewicaz. “We’ve covered everything here. If you are looking to finish high school, a college program, undergraduate or masters program, we have lots of information here.”
The fair was also opened to students from nearby General Panet High School. Many of the students attending are looking for some post-secondary prospects.
“When I first walked in there didn’t seem to be that many universities here, but then found Core College,” said senior student Sam Serviss, who discovered a table hosted by College of Renewable Energy, a private career college that trains solar energy technicians in Newcastle, Ontario. “I found that place and spent my whole time there.”
Other students such as Grade 10 student Maddie Douglas said they have a little longer to mull over their options.
“I learned a lot about the different universities and the scholarships they offer,” she said, noting she is interested in the field of law and justice. “I also learned how much tuition could be.”
The base plans to continue with these education fairs on a yearly basis.
Sean Chase is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist