TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The Combat Center celebrated the opening of a new home for education and higher learning with the cutting of a ribbon during a grand opening ceremony for the Lifelong Learning Education Center, at building 1530, Sept. 5.
Plans to construct the three-story building were first brought to life by Congressman Jerry Lewis when he toured the base in 2008. Since then, the five-year project became dedicated to giving Combat Center students and staff top-of-the-line equipment and a great learning environment.
“We’re excited to be here,” said Erin Keeran, education and career specialist, Lifelong Learning Education Center. “This is a nice facility with a lot to offer.”
The facility will house classes from National University, Copper Mountain College, and DevRy University. The 13 classrooms within the center are equipped with smart boards, loud-speaker systems, desks with electrical plug-in capabilities and space for up to 24 students.
“All classrooms are outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, such as Wi-Fi, and smart boards that can be used for presentations and to enhance the learning process,” Keeran said. “It’s a pleasant place to be.”
The center will also host weekly transition readiness seminar workshops dedicated to educating service members on benefits, education and employment opportunities and advice for writing a resume.
“It’s a phenomenal program geared to help a sailor or Marine transition back into the civilian community with a high level of preparation,” said Jeff Fourier, branch head, Lifelong Learning Education Center.
The Military Academic Skills Program is a four-week mathematics and remedial English skills program taught by Copper Mountain College professors.
“(MASP) is a great opportunity to re-learn something that will help (service members) improve in both their professional work and their personal lives as they pursue that next step of higher education,” Fourier said.
The new education center brings the Combat Center a centralized location for the educational needs for its patrons. The building is a home for the growing community and a focal point for the base.
“These educational opportunities are endless,” Fourier said. “It all starts here.”
For more information on the types of schooling the Lifelong Learning Education Center offers, go to www.mccs29palms.com/pages/mfamservices/education.html.