The Onward to Opportunity-Veterans Career Transition Program (O2O-VCTP) Continues Dedication to Transitioning Service Members, Post 9/11 Veterans and Spouses; Fort Carson Marks the 12th Location Across U.S.

The Onward to Opportunity-Veterans Career Transition Program (O2O-VCTP) will launch in Fort Carson, Colorado, with the first cohort planned for September 2017. The free career skills training program, which has already reached over 12,000 military-connected people since 2015 and placed over 750 participants in new or better careers, allows participants to gain industry-validated training and credentials, and then offers guaranteed interviews with some of the over 400 military friendly employers connected with O2O-VCTP. Interested participants can learn more and sign up.

“The addition of Fort Carson to the O2O-VCTP portfolio is but another step to reach IVMF/O2O-VCTP’s goal to be the #1 career skills program to serve transitioning service members, post 9/11 veterans and spouses. As an Air Force veteran who has made the transition to the civilian sector, O2O-VCTP bridges the military–civilian divide and enables our transitioning service members to gain industry skills to work in meaningful employment in the civilian sector,” said Joe Aldaz, Installation Program Manager for Fort Carson.

The Fort Carson program will offer certification-training tracks in information technology, business management, and customer service excellence. Fort Carson will offer “Onward to Your Career” training and access to online learning pathways with the expected outcome of funding one industry certification exam for participants.

Employers also benefit from this program by saving on costs in training and recruiting by hiring highly qualified O2O-VCTP graduates. This helps them fulfill their commitment of hiring talented veterans and military spouses. Learn more about becoming an employer partner or supporter.

“O2O-VCTP is excited to partner with Fort Carson. Through engagement and a strong relationship with our employer partners, we are able create phenomenal career opportunities. Our employer partners understand the value of our O2O-VCTP participants and how they represent the best this country has to offer,” said Anthony Cosby, Director Employer Outreach at IVMF.

In the next five years, more than one million service members and military families will transition to civilian life. For many, finding employment will be the most challenging part of their transition. To ease the stress of transition, O2O-VCTP brings together curriculum development and program delivery expertise from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University and the support of career coaching and mentoring by Hire Heroes USA. The Schultz Family Foundation (SFF) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. fund the program as part of their dedication to serving those who serve.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University

Stephanie Salanger, Director of Communications and Media, IVMF
Email: ssalange@syr.edu
Phone: (315) 443-5690

About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education, and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational, and entrepreneurship education and training, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The Institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit IVMF and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Onward to Opportunity-VCTP
Onward to Opportunity-VCTP is a cost-free (with no use of GI Bill benefits) industry-focused career skills program that connects transitioning service members, active duty military spouses, and members of the National Guard and Reserve to high-demand careers in customer service and information technology. Delivered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University and supported by the Schultz Family Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co., O2O-VCTP partners with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies to connect transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans with meaningful employment opportunities at companies across the country. For more information, visit Onward to Opportunity-VCTP and follow O2O-VCTP on Facebook and Twitter.