Defense Department to Host Virtual Education Fair

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, November 4, 2015 — Registration is now open for the Defense Department's first virtual education fair, scheduled for Nov. 19.

The fair is for service members and spouses. It provides the opportunity to chat online with representatives from several schools about degree and certificate programs, financial aid, tuition and fee costs, and Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

To register for the Department of Defense’s Voluntary Education Virtual Education Fair, go to http://www.dodeducationfair.com. The fair runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Information on participating schools will remain accessible online after the event as well.

During and after the event, participants will have access to prerecorded sessions that will cover high-growth career fields and degrees, tools and resources for choosing a school, and bridging education and credentialing.

"We're excited to offer this opportunity," said Dawn Bilodeau, chief of the Defense Department's voluntary education program. "This fair will help service members and their spouses make informed choices about their postsecondary education goals. They can get the important information they need from schools, without the pressure."

Participating schools have a signed agreement with the Defense Department to provide a quality education to service members and military spouses.

"It’s never too early to start planning for your future," Bilodeau said. "Going back to school now for a postsecondary degree or certificate will certainly help to ensure your future success."

Well-educated, well-trained service members are critical to a changing postwar military force, she added. Today’s military demands educated service members with expert technical and trade skills. As the military re-aligns and becomes lighter, faster and more technical, those with technical skills and higher education will have better job security when they transition from the military.

"The Department of Defense is committed to making higher education accessible for service members," Bilodeau said.