Jobs and Education Offered Through New Program

Aug 3rd, 2007

For Gulf Coast residents who do not have a high school diploma but are interested in the area's booming aviation industry, the Aviation Center of Mobile, part of Enterprise Ozark Community College, has a free solution. A concurrent enrollment program is being offered which allows students to enroll in free GED preparation courses while training for a new career through the Aviation Alabama program at the same time.

“One of the requirements for the aviation training program is a high school diploma or GED. In the last few months, we found that while there was a great interest in enrolling in the aviation program, many didn’t meet that criterion. That’s why we have decided to offer this free special program for people to take the courses concurrently,” said the Alabama two-year college system’s Director of Workforce Development Dr. Matthew Hughes. “By offering the GED courses we are reaching a population that hasn’t had the right doors opened to them before.”

Classes begin August 17, 2007. Students will be tested to determine their scholastic levels prior to beginning the program. Courses will be offered three days per week, in the mornings and afternoons at the Aviation Center on Brookley Field.

The GED prep classes are free. Enrollment in Aviation Alabama costs $90 per semester hour, and financial aid is available. Since 1998, EOCC has partnered with ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE). If an EOCC graduate is accepted at MAE, they are eligible for up to 70 percent tuition reimbursement, fees, and book costs, if all other financial aid resources have been denied. Hughes said, “Young people who want to jump start their careers are urged to take a look at what we have to offer. It’s a great opportunity.”

For more information contact the Aviation Center of Mobile at 251-438-2816, or visit the website at www.eocc.edu.