A New Era of Learning: U.S. Army Garrison Poland Unveils Powidz Education Center

POWIDZ, Poland - The landscape of opportunity expanded on NATO's forward edge as U.S. Army Garrison Poland opened the Powidz Education Center on April 15.

Located in the Powidz Military Community, the logistical heartbeat for V Corps operations about 1.5 hours east from the garrison's headquarters in Poznan, the new education center will provide immediate support to the 2,500 Soldiers stationed at or near the post.

"The opening of the Powidz Education Center marks a major milestone for USAG Poland," said Majella Lanham, the garrison's Education Services Officer. "It's a milestone I'm deeply proud to support because it gives our

Soldiers and civilians, the face-to-face guidance and academic opportunities they deserve."

The new education center is part of a broader effort that began under the garrison's precursor organization - Army Support Group Poland in December 2022 - when the Poznan Education Center was established.

Lanham said much like the Poznan center, the new site will provide a hub for education, vocational training, and career advancement that includes academic counseling, financial aid workshops. The center also provides access to degree programs from partnered universities, with offices from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Maryland Global Campus on location.

Future plans include a Testing Center to offer exams such as the Defense Language Aptitude Battery, Defense Language Proficiency Test, Armed Forces Classification Test, Oral Proficiency Interview, and the Selection Instrument for Flight Training. These exams support promotion points, commissioning pathways, mission readiness, and career progression said Lanham.

April 15th also marks the first Powidz Graduation Recognition Ceremony - and only the garrison's second. Eight service members will be recognized for completing higher education milestones. Four graduates have earned their associate degrees, and four have earned their bachelor's degrees.

Spc. Mohammad Sesay, assigned to the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, has committed to mission readiness and professionalism while simultaneously pursuing his academic goals.

"Graduation means everything to me," said Sesay. "I balanced my responsibilities, stayed disciplined and pushed myself to keep going no matter the obstacle. "

Sesay is set to earn his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University, with an expected award date of April 27, 2026. By balancing deployment, coursework, and military obligations, Sesay has shown the discipline and drive that defines true leadership potential.

"As we recognize our first Powidz graduates and open this brand-new center, it's an honor for my team and me to stand beside these service members whose commitment to education reflects the resilience and excellence that drive our mission forward," said Lanham.