New Program Aims to Radically Change Military Training and Transition

Strategic Insights -

A new program called Onward to Opportunity, a partnership between the Schultz Family Foundation, Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, aims to revolutionize how military personnel are trained, recruited, and hired for post-service jobs. The program, launching in spring 2015, will provide civilian-sector skills training directly on U.S. military installations across the country. Key partners include Microsoft, Starbucks, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Onward to Opportunity program will serve up to 10,000 service members and spouses in its first year, starting with customer service and technology careers.
  • The program is designed to complement military-learned skills and experiences with industry-specific trainings, certifications, and job placement services.
  • Service members who complete the program will be prepared for a job interview with Fortune 500 corporate partners, including Microsoft, Starbucks, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • The program is available to military spouses who often struggle with sustaining a professional career due to frequent moves and deployments.
  • The Schultz Family Foundation has committed to hiring at least 10,000 veterans and their spouses by the end of 2018.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 million service members are expected to transition to civilian life over the next five years.
  • The Onward to Opportunity program will initially focus on customer service and technology careers, leveraging best-in-class trainings developed by leading companies.
  • The program will launch nationwide on up to six bases, starting in spring 2015.

Sources:

  • The Schultz Family Foundation, created by Howard and Sheri Schultz in 1996, focuses on creating pathways of opportunity for populations facing barriers to success (schultzfamilyfoundation.org)
  • Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is a national interdisciplinary institute focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families post-service (vets.syr.edu)
  • Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) launched in the fall of 2013, providing on-base training for service members.