STAP helps spouses realize educational goals Published Nov. 19, 2008 By Michelle Balatero 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Deciding to attend college overseas can be a difficult decision to make for Air Force spouses. Several factors play a role: What colleges are available to me? Does the college offer the degree I want? How much is tuition? Can I afford it? With tuition constantly rising, the overall cost of continuing education has become more intimidating for the military family's budget. Air Force spouses who find themselves wanting to continue their education but are in need financial assistance should look into the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP). Since 1988, STAP has helped the Air Force's command-sponsored spouses attend local colleges and universities by cutting a portion of tuition expenses. "It's an awesome program because it gives spouses the opportunity to continue their education or start their education with one of the local schools," said Ms. Europonda Chesnutt, Education and Training supervisor at the Base Education Center. Colleges and universities in PACAF usually have five terms during their academic year, running from August 1 to July 31. Eligible spouses can receive up to $300 per term or 50% of tuition costs for one course depending on how many courses are taken. This can be a savings of up to $1,500 a year. UMUC student Wadlezka Ceroni has been using STAP since she started taking courses in 2006. She uses the program in conjunction with the G.I. Bill which she became eligible for after previously serving on active duty in the Air Force. "I thought that when I told them I had the G.I. Bill that I wasn't going to be able to use STAP, but I was very glad to hear that I could," said Mrs. Ceroni. STAP can be used toward any of the PACAF-contracted institutions on island such as University of Maryland University College, Central Texas College, University of Phoenix, University of Oklahoma, and Troy University. Face-to-face and distance education classes for undergraduates and graduates are covered as well as courses for certificate programs. Spouses must receive a passing grade of a 'C' for undergraduate courses and a 'B' for graduate courses. "If spouses come here and realize the skill set attained through a degree is not marketable on island, they have the opportunity to receive the education and meet the skill sets to qualify for those jobs," Ms. Chesnutt said. STAP applications may be picked up at the education office and can also be received electronically upon request. Applications must be turned into the education office before the specified cut-off date along with the military member's Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) and the spouse's LES if they are currently employed. For more information on STAP, contact the base education center at 634-1500 or education@kadena.af.mil.