Don't lose your 2006-2007 Tuition Assistance!

Time is running out to use your 2006-2007 military Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits. For some of you, that could mean up to $4,500 toward your college degree every year. TA is offered each fiscal year, and if you don't use your benefits by September 29th, 2007 - you will lose them.

Students using Go Army Ed (CTAM) must apply for courses scheduled to start on Thursday, September 27th by Monday, September 24th. No TA will be approved through Go Army Ed (CTAM) after September 24th.

To re-enroll today, e-mail or call your Student Progress Representative at 800-955-2527.

~Military students who use all their allotted FY TA with Grantham are allowed to take one additional credit hour - at no additional cost - for every $1,000.00 of TA paid on an annual basis. Students must request to use the credit hours by October 1, 2007.

New Degree Program in Business Management - Coming Soon

Grantham University is excited to announce that it plans to launch a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management this fall. The new Business Management program is designed to provide a comprehensive environment of managerial theories, techniques, and processes that transcend any industry. While the Business Administration and Business Management programs both offer foundations in business and management theory, the management program offers real-world foundations in areas that impact human capital in the workplace - employment law, human resource management, and labor relations.

Additionally, this program will explore public relations, marketing communications and marketing analysis strategies, as well as the evolution and methodologies of Total Quality Management (TQM) tools such as the Six Sigma and Just-In-Time (JIT) management strategies that give today's manager the competitive edge to succeed.

Because leaders and managers are essential to every organization, opportunity and earnings are two aspects that are plentiful with a business management career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative services managers held about 268,000 jobs in 2004, and employment is projected to increase 9 to 17 percent through 2014. Median annual earnings of administrative services managers in May 2004 were $60,290, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $110,270.

Stay tuned for more details on the Business Management program.

Association Partners Award Scholarships

Recently, two of Grantham University's association partners, Federally Employed Women (FEW) and the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA) awarded scholarships to deserving members of their organizations. The scholarships cover tuition costs, required textbooks, software, fees and shipping of the course materials, and are valued at $34,000 each. Each scholarship recipient possessed their own unique reasons for completing a scholarship application, and they were all equally deserving. Let's find out a little more about them:

FEW Scholarship Recipient
Barbara Ballew is looking forward to continuing her education and completing her bachelor's degree because it would allow her to effectively compete for new positions where more of her abilities can be applied, allowing her to make a larger contribution. Currently, Barbara works for the Bonneville Power Administration, which, like most federal organizations, is undergoing change. Luckily for Barbara, these changes will open the door to new opportunities. "Holding two associate degrees has served me in attaining my current level in the federal government, but I have reached a level beyond which I cannot rise without completing my formal education," said Barbara. Barbara decided to apply for the scholarship because she feels that Grantham's format will allow her to balance all aspects of her life, including: work, family, education, community, spirituality, and recreation. Barbara has been an inspiration to her son who, at the age of 20, is pursuing a Master's degree in Regional Transportation Planning. Written at the top of her to-do list each and every day, are the following two quotes: "Find something humorous in everyday events," from Humorist Jeanne Robertson, and "This is your life...are you who you want to be?" from Life Coach Tonia McConnell.

USAWOA Scholarship Recipient
Maryanna Hedge was very excited about the opportunity to further her education through the USAWOA/Grantham University Scholarship program. She grew up in a loving home as one of nine children with parents who always encouraged them to achieve their dreams. However, when it came to the topic of going to college, her parents did not have any practical experience to offer or guide them along the way. When Maryanna graduated from high school, she never thought that college would be an option for her. After getting married, having two daughters and moving 3000 miles away from home Maryanna's priorities began to change. "As a mother, anything that inherently changes my life for the better also affects my children," said Maryanna. "The more exposure I have to furthering my education, the more I will have to offer my daughters. I will be able to provide my daughters with a strong foundation, necessary guidance to enter the college arena, and also the financial ability to pay for it." To date, Maryanna holds three associate degrees in Liberal Studies, Business, and Accounting, but her ultimate goal is to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in Business.

Congratulations Barbara and Maryanna!

GI Bill Buy-Up Program

Did you know that some active-duty service members who joined the service for the first time after June 30, 1985 are now eligible to participate in the GI Bill Buy-Up program? For an additional contribution to your GI Bill account, you can earn up to an extra $5,400 in education benefits.

To apply, you must have joined the military for the first time after June 30, 1985, currently serve on active duty, and elect to contribute up to an additional $600 before you separate. You may elect to contribute any amount from $20 to $600 in increments of $20. For every $20 contributed, you earn an extra $180 in total benefits. To participate, you must contribute through your military branch using form DD-2366-1 to process your request. Airmen, please note that the Air Force refers to this program as a GI Bill kicker.

Applying to Use Your Buy-up Benefit:
Currently the VA does not have a way to interface with the US Department of Defense to verify if you have made additional contributions. VA asks each service member who paid this contribution to submit photocopies of the following:

• DD Form 2366
• Your LES's - if deductions are payroll deducted
• DD Form 1131 - Cash Voucher if paid cash in full

These documents provide proof to VA that the $600 was paid and will help them process your claim to include this kicker.

For more information, please visit: www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm.

Graduate Spotlight - Linda Sherrill

Linda Sherrill enrolled at Grantham University in April of 2005, and exactly two years later, she graduated with honors and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Before enrolling at Grantham, Linda did her homework. She chose Grantham for several reasons including: the availability of the degree program she was looking for, the tuition cost, and because books and software were included at no additional charge. Because Linda was working 12 hour night shifts at a Federal police department, flexibility in accessing her coursework played a large role in the reason why she chose Grantham. "If I had been forced to access courses during the day, attending college would not have been possible due to my work/sleep schedule," said Linda.

While completing her studies, Linda took advantage of Grantham's self-paced model. She commented, "I always pushed myself and didn't procrastinate, so I was able to complete my degree program sooner than a classroom setting would have allowed." Linda also attributes her success to her Student Progress Representative, Charisse Richardson, who played a large role in keeping her motivated and on track with her courses.

Earning a bachelor's degree was a major milestone in Linda's life. She had always promised herself that one day she would have her degree, and she said that earning it at the age of 48 felt wonderful, especially when she received her diploma.

Immediately after earning her degree, Linda put it to good use on her resume. "As does every student, I expected an eventual payoff for achieving my degree," said Linda. "I graduated from Grantham University in April 2007; and as a result of my new education level, began a new federal position, complete with promotion and pay increase, in July 2007. If I can do it, so can you!"

Linda's name may sound familiar to some of you. In June of this year, Linda participated in Grantham University's Focus on the Student Event, where she had the opportunity to meet several Grantham University staff members. She provided us with great feedback during the event and is a wonderful advocate of Grantham's students.

Congratulations Linda on reaching your goal!

Scholarship Opportunities

CCME Scholarships - The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) offers scholarships each year to United States service members or their spouses who are working towards completing their college degrees. Each award is in the amount of $500 and may be used for tuition, fees, books and other expenses encountered by the student pursuing educational goals. All interested applicants must submit an application along with an essay on the following topic: "What has been your experience in pursuing a degree in the globalization environment of voluntary education?" Essays will be judged on written content and writing skills, and should be 200 to 300 words in length. The deadline for applications is September 17, 2007. For more information, please visit: www.ccmeonline.org/scholarship.asp.

AARP Foundation Scholarship - The AARP Foundation has established a Women's Scholarship Program to help women over the age of 40 overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could not otherwise afford. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be female, age 40 or over as of October 31, 2007, be able to demonstrate financial need; and be enrolled in a post-secondary school or training program within six months of the scholarship award date. Scholarship awards will range from $500 to $5,000 depending on financial need, and the cost of the education. Up to 100 scholarships will be awarded. For more information and to fill out an application online, please visit: www.aarpfoundationwlc.org. The application deadline is October 31, 2007.

Buzz or bunk? Five coffee myths

Adapted from an article by: Joy Bauer, TODAYShow.com

Coffee... java... joe we all need our caffeine. But, there are still many questions about the benefits and side effects of caffeine. For those of you who aren't coffee drinkers, you might be by the end of this story. So, let's separate truth from fiction.

1. Three cups of daily joe helps retain memory.
Fact. About a year and a half ago (in November, 2005), Austrian researchers confirmed that caffeinated coffee can temporarily sharpen your focus and memory. After giving volunteers the caffeine equivalent of about two cups of coffee, their brain activity was increased in two locations-the memory-rich frontal lobe and the attention-controlling anterior cingulum. Results were observed using MRI technology.

Now a brand new study published in the August 7 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology found the effects of coffee may be longer lasting - specifically in women.

2. Coffee and exercise may prevent skin cancer.
Perhaps. According to a new study conducted at Rutgers University, the combination of exercise and caffeine increased the destruction of pre-cancer cells that had been damaged by the sun's ultraviolet rays. This positive outcome still has to be tested on humans, but there was a clear correlation shown with mice.

The caffeine consumption alone helped destroy pre-cancer skin cells. The exercise alone helped destroy pre-cancer skin cells... BUT the two together provided significant protection. Of course this should not be a substitute for sunscreen!

3. Energy drinks have more caffeine than coffee.
False. It varies from drink to drink. For example, Red Bull is known as an ultimate "energy drink"... but you'll only get 80 milligrams of caffeine in one 8-ounce can, that's less than an average cup of coffee @ 100 milligrams. That said, this is a case by case comparison... you'll have to check labels and caffeine amounts to know for sure.

4. Coffee can enhance your workout.
Fact. Yes, a burst of caffeine before a workout can give you a slight edge when you workout: As little as 100 milligrams of caffeine - the amount in about a cup of coffee-has been shown to improve athletic performance of dedicated exercisers (casual exercisers won't experience the same boost). Researchers aren't sure why, but it may be because caffeine signals your muscles to ignore fatigue and contract differently.

So, how much caffeine is in your favorite hot beverage?

Average varieties:
8-ounce cup of average coffee = 100 milligrams
Black Tea (8 ounce cup) = 40 milligrams
Green Tea (8 ounce cup) = 20 milligrams
Red Bull (8-ounce can) = 80 milligrams

Starbucks:
Tall (12oz) = 195 milligrams
Grande (16oz) = 260 milligrams
Venti (20oz) = 325 milligrams
1 single oz shot of espresso = 65 milligrams

Dunkin Donuts (brewed):
Small (10oz) = 129 milligrams
Medium (14oz) = 181 milligrams
Large (20oz) = 258 milligrams

Military Times & Career Builder Career Fair

Adapted from an article by: Jamie Littlefield
About.com

Military Times and Career Builder have teamed together to host a career fair on September 27, 2007, from 10am until 3pm in Washington, DC. Career fairs are a great way to showcase skills and meet with potential employers. There will be job opportunities for individuals with security clearances; Microsoft certifications; and law enforcement, homeland security, IT, aerospace, and defense experience within the government, defense and industrial sector.

In addition to the career fair in Washington, DC, Career Builder holds similar fairs all across the United States. For more information on the Washington, DC fair and other upcoming events, visit: www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/careerfairs.

Upcoming Events

September 13th: Little Rock AFB Education Fair

September 19th: Andrews AFB Education Fair

September 27th: Visit to Andrew's AFB Education Center - 11am until 2pm

September 27th: Visit to Scott AFB

Become a Special Agent, Get $20K

From: Military.com

A $20,000 lump-sum Critical Skills Accession Bonus (CSAB) is being offered to active-duty enlisted Soldiers who complete the Criminal Investigation Command Special Agent Warrant Officer Basic Course by Sept. 30, 2008. The CSAB targets the 31 series Military Occupational Specialty for military police NCOs selected for appointment to warrant officer positions in the 311A MOS. Enlisted special agents with at least 24 months of CID investigative experience, a minimum of 60 hours of college credit, and who are no longer on probationary status are eligible to receive the bonus. The application process and checklist forms are available at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant.