Atlantic Cape, U.S.C.G. Training Center Cape May Partnering to Provide Educational Opportunities to Service Personnel

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College and the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May are partnering to provide educational opportunities to Coast Guard service members, reservists and civilian employees. The training center is the Coast Guard’s fifth largest base and the sole accession point for the entire enlisted workforce.
To re-affirm this collaboration, college representatives recently visited the training center to discuss admissions procedures, degree programs, course scheduling, transfer of credits and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA.)
Andre Richburg, dean of Enrollment Management and College Relations, said that Coast Guard members have the option of taking traditional courses at the Cape May County Campus, located in Cape May Court House, as they pursue any of 46 associate degree or certificate programs. Students also have the option of taking online courses and may complete any of 13 associate degree programs completely online.
Kristin Jackson, Atlantic Cape’s director of Admissions and College Recruitment, met with Coast Guard members to guide them through the admissions process and course scheduling; while BoJan Zilovic, assistant professor of Computer Information Systems, discussed the college’s Prior Learning Assessment program.
Through PLA, students may earn up to 25 credits for past life and professional experience or previously earned credentials that may be applied toward a Technical Studies Associate in Applied Science degree. These experiences may include military training, employer training programs, union apprenticeships, professional certifications and licensures, independent study or volunteer/community service.
Howie Mack, Education Service Officer at Training Center Cape May, advises service members in a training center website post, “Even if you’re interested in a career that puts calluses on your hands or dirties your fingernails, continued advancement today is tied to continuing education and training. Lifelong learning not only helps you keep up with changes in your field, it’s also a way to set you apart from and above your colleagues.”
For more information, Coast Guard personnel may contact Jackson at kjackson@atlantic.edu or call 609-343-4916. The spring semester begins Jan. 17, and students may register in person weekdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Jan. 13 at any Atlantic Cape campus; however, the college is closed for winter break Dec. 24 – Jan. 2.
Campuses are located in Mays Landing at 5100 Black Horse Pike; Atlantic City at the Charles D. Worthington Campus, 1535 Bacharach Blvd.; and Cape May Court House at the Cape May County Campus, 341 Court House – South Dennis Road.