NAVY  NUCLEAR  PROPULSION  PRO- GRAM.  —This  program  provides  training  for qualified volunteers from selected ratings in super- vising, operating,   and   maintaining   nuclear propulsion plants aboard submarines and surface ships.   Nuclear   qualification   also   makes   other career incentives available, such as special pay and reenlistment bonuses. STRATEGIC WEAPONS SYSTEM TRAIN- ING  PROGRAM.   —The   Strategic   Weapons System  (SWS)  Program  provides  highly  trained personnel for Poseidon and Trident submarines. Applicants  can  use  the  Lateral  Conversion  or SCORE  Program  to  convert  to  one  of  the  SWS ratings  (ET,  FTB,  or  MT)  if  necessary. Educational Programs Education is the key to self-improvement and a better understanding of the world in which we live. Through new learning experiences, you can come  to  a  greater  understanding  of  your  place in   our   world.   In   today’s   Navy,   educational opportunities are plentiful, and you should take full   advantage   of   those   opportunities.   In   the following paragraphs we will discuss some of the educational  opportunities  available  to  you. NAVY   CAMPUS.   —Navy   Campus   coor- dinates  off-duty  education  for  Navy  personnel and  integrates  it  with  on-duty  Navy  programs. Navy Campus includes all educational activities, from  basic  education  skills  to  graduate  study.  The purpose  of  Navy  Campus  is  to  provide  Navy personnel   with   opportunities   to   achieve   their career  and  educational  goals. On-Base  Navy  Campus  Program.  —This program  includes  a  wide  range  of  courses  and programs,  from  high  school  completion  through college degree. Civilian colleges and universities on board Navy installations offer these courses. Navy Campus Certificate/Degree Program.  — This  program  provides  Navy  members  with  an opportunity   to   collect   college   credits   through various sources and apply them toward a degree from an accredited college or university. Person- nel can earn both 2- and 4-year degrees through this  program.  Participating  colleges  waive  state residency  requirements.  These  colleges  also  accept up  to  75  percent  of  degree  credits  through  college- approved nontraditional means; for example, you may  receive  credit  for  examinations  taken  through Defense  Activity  for  Non-traditional  Education Support  (DANTES)  and  for  military  training  or experience. Tuition Assistance Program. —The purpose of the  Navy’s  Tuition  Assistance  (TA)  Program  is to provide financial assistance to eligible person- nel   who   attend   educational   institutions   on   a voluntary, off-duty basis. Sailors may use TA for high school completion, vocational and technical training,  and  college  courses  leading  toward undergraduate  and  graduate  degrees.  Under certain conditions, members may also use TA for correspondence   courses. Program for Afloat College Education. — Program  for  Afloat  College  Education  (PACE) is a part of Navy Campus. Under this program, accredited   colleges   or   universities   offer undergraduate   courses   to   you   aboard   ship. Courses taught under PACE have full funding by the Navy; however, students have a requirement to  purchase  necessary  books. Instructor Services Program. —Commanding officers may organize classes for naval personnel on almost any subject. Classes may help students prepare for college-level courses, learn a foreign language,  gain  vocational  skills,  or  achieve  any number  of  other  goals.  Professional  instructors conduct these classes. Students pay no tuition for these  classes  and  earn  no  academic  credit. Basic  Skills  Program.  —This  fully  funded on-duty program is available at most Navy bases and on board some surface ships. Courses are to improve  individual  competency  in  reading, mathematics, English, and writing skills. It also provides either on-base or off-base classes needed to earn a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate. National Apprentice Program. —Navy  people working in certain skill areas may be eligible for journeyman   status   in   a   nationally   recognized occupation.  Under  an  agreement  with  the  U.S. Department of Labor, enlisted persons in certain ratings can register in and complete an appren- ticeship in related civilian trades. The program’s major purpose is to develop highly skilled Navy- oriented  journeymen  who  will  continue  to  use their technical skills and knowledge in the Navy. Servicemembers  Opportunity  College, Navy.  —Servicemembers   Opportunity   College, 4-9