Civilian Tuition Assistance ends for FY12 Published Sept. 21, 2011 By Brittany K. Cass Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Starting October 1, Air Education and Training Command civilian employees will no longer have access to tuition assistance funds due to budget cuts. Students using tuition assistance who are currently enrolled in the fall semester and already have an approved tuition assistance form will receive funding for the approved course. Otherwise, funding has run out for the remainder of FY11, said Kim Yates, chief, Education Operations Branch. "The budget is being cut drastically," said Lt. Col. Craig Harding, AETC's Financial Analysis Division chief. "Everything is on the table. Tuition assistance for civilians is one program that has been reviewed and we just don't have the flex today to fund these types of programs." Each year more than 400 civil service employees take advantage of AETC's tuition assistance program, Yates said. She recommends those affected by the cuts contact their local education centers for alternative recommendations and assistance. "Whether it's what you do for the Air Force or outside of the Air Force, don't be discouraged at the fact that this particular funding is not available," Yates said. "There are other types of funding. Continue to work with your local education center, school advisors and school financial aid officers to find other means of assistance." "I don't think this in anyway negates AETC's commitment to total force development," Yates said. "Like so many others, we need to find alternative means to provide this type of opportunity. We have to be more creative in finding the funding for this program." As one of only three commands currently funding civilian tuition assistance, AETC has long been committed to developing all Airmen whether civilian, active-duty, Guardsmen or Reserve, Yates said. The command works to ensure everyone has an opportunity to seek professional and personal growth. Tuition assistance has been available for AETC civilians since 2003. It's also offered by Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command. AETC is the only command currently planning to suspend its civilian tuition assistance program.