CCAF and Park University graduation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Smith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
Numerous students from the Community College of the Air Force and Park University accepted their degrees during a ceremony at the base theater here, May 17.

The CCAF offers job-related associate degrees in applied science and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness. Park University teams up with Goodfellow to offer accredited onsite and online classes for associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees.

"A CCAF degree opens so many doors for your career and life," said Master Sgt. Christopher Norci, 17th Force Support Squadron first sergeant. "Air University has partnered with many schools to help CCAF graduates apply what they've learned toward a bachelor's degree in the same area of study making it easier to get that bachelor's degree."

According to Air University's website, students complete approximately 1.6 million semester hours of course credit through CCAF affiliated schools each year. Most of the time, these hours are accomplished while working full time.

"There is always time," said Norci. "It's all about having the discipline and making those small sacrifices to achieve your goal. If you value education and understand the benefits it can provide to you and your family, then you will make the time"

Typically it would take an Airman approximately two years after starting two classes, each eight week semester, to receive their CCAF degree. A bachelor's degree can take up to four years or sooner to complete. The length it takes to get a bachelor's depends on whether the student has prior credits that can be transferred or if the student used the college level examination program.

"Pursue this as soon as you are given the opportunity," said recent graduate Senior Airman Julie Camacho, 17th Comptroller Squadron special actions technician. "Many choose to procrastinate when it might be easier to finish early in your career."

According to Camacho, it was a big accomplishment to complete her CCAF within two years and said she is proud of furthering her education.