BBU brings classes to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christine Collier
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "I don't have time."

"It's not convenient."

"The college is too far away."

There are many potential reasons why Airmen don't pursue higher education, but Brown Bag University may be the solution that could work for many. Brown Bag University was started in 2006 to give maintainers an opportunity to take courses during their lunch hour that count toward their Community College of the Air Force degrees without having to leave the flightline.

"There is so much available for military members who want to increase their education," said Lt. Col. William Ames, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander and BBU founder. "With our high ops and deployment tempo it is very difficult for our maintenance warriors to take advantage of traditional college opportunities. BBU is an exceptional opportunity for our Airmen to expand their education and work toward completing their CCAF degrees."

Last year, both Spanish and philosophy courses were offered during the lunch-hour program. This year, BBU will be offering a speech communication class in early spring. Class can begin as soon as BBU has the minimum enrollment of 15 students.
"It's important for our Airmen to be aware of the educational benefits the Air Force offers," Colonel Ames said. "Each and every Airman can succeed by taking advantage of programs like BBU. We're bringing the classroom to the student and allowing a great opportunity for educational and professional development."

Several students have already experienced the convenience of a BBU education.

"I only need six credits to complete my CCAF," said Tech. Sgt. Leonard Raduske, 9th MXS resource advisor and BBU student. "BBU offers the perfect time and location to attain them. It's close to my duty location, it's during normal lunch hours, and my previous class and instructor were very flexible."

Any interested person can suggest a class that he or she is interested in taking. BBU and Yuba College will work to accommodate requests based on instructor availability and the number of interested people.

"I encourage anyone who is considering BBU to sign up and convince a friend to come along," said Master Sgt. Claude Latham, 9th MXS aerospace propulsion craftsman and BBU student. "This program is a real advantage to us, but like anything else, if it is not utilized, it will go away."

Brown Bag University is sponsored by Yuba College and is available to all military, civilians and dependants at Beale. Tuition assistance pays 100 percent of tuition costs for military members, and eligible students are only responsible for the cost of books and a $6 student service fee.