SEONGNAM, South Korea – A new chapter in education is starting for service members at K-16 Airfield. The U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Education Center held a ceremony on January 23 to celebrate the upcoming launch of in-person college courses.
From March 2025, Soldiers at K-16 will have the chance to attend classes right on-site. The University of Maryland Global Campus(UMGC) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will offer programs at the K-16 community activity center, making education more accessible for those stationed there.
“Our goal is to empower the K-16 community by providing accessible education opportunities, one class at a time,” said Clara Sagoe, the chief of Army Continuing Education Services.
The 2nd Battalion from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as the 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, plays a vital role at K-16. Lt. Col. William Gratz, the unit’s commander, spoke at the event, emphasizing the value of this new educational resource. “The opportunities are endless,” he noted.
“I tell everyone, if you have not started a degree, four years will pass regardless. Start one class now, and in four years, you could have a degree,” Gratz encouraged.
Gratz reassured Soldiers that while pursuing higher education can be challenging, the education center’s counselors are ready to assist with academic planning and goals.
The Humphreys Education Center connects service members with various educational programs and institutions, both online and on-post. They collaborate with colleges and vocational schools across the U.S. to offer flexible learning options that fit military schedules, including distance learning programs.
U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, often referred to as the “Army’s Home in Korea,” oversees several installations, including Camp Humphreys, Camp Yongin, and the 11 other smaller sites within Area II and III of U.S. Forces Korea. Located near the Pyeongtaek seaport city, Camp Humphreys serves as the main hub for U.S. Army Forces Korea and the headquarters for the Eighth U.S. Army.