Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military (IVMF) has teamed with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification to offer new resources to the military community. IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program, which provides career preparation and employment training for in-demand industries, will now include access to the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course and related certification exam for enrolled students at no additional cost.

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of compute power, database, storage, applications, and other IT resources via the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. AWS offers reliable, scalable, and inexpensive cloud computing services. AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials is a digital, self-paced course that helps learners gain an overall understanding of the AWS Cloud. This course includes an overview of cloud concepts and AWS services, basic security and architecture principles, core characteristics of deploying and operating in the AWS Cloud, pricing, and technical assistance.

The course can also help individuals prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. This exam helps individuals validate their understanding of the AWS Cloud with an industry-recognized credential. AWS Certification can help individuals build their credibility and confidence and showcase their cloud expertise to colleagues and employers. As a benefit of the collaboration, students who complete the training course will receive a free practice exam, and students who pass the practice exam have the opportunity to take the exam at no cost.

“This course offering represents an important collaboration with a key player in the IT industry,” says Mike Bianchi, IVMF Senior Director of Education & Career Training. “Access to this course is the first step in providing stackable learning pathways which open numerous doors of possibility to our participants. We are proud and grateful to work with AWS to advance the employment potential for veterans, service members, and their families.”

As part of the collaboration, AWS develops and maintains the training content, while IVMF hosts the course on its Skillport platform for the O2O audience.

“We are excited to collaborate with IVMF to bring this training to the military community,” says Kevin Kelly, Director of AWS Certification and Education Programs. “Access to this training provides a path to AWS Certification and can help propel these deserving students toward meaningful, lasting, and relevant careers using the cloud.”

The O2O career skills program operates on 18 military installations and virtually around the world, serving more than 8,000 enrolled transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses each year. The program equips participants with the knowledge to earn certifications in key industries such as information technology (IT) project management, human resources, and cybersecurity—empowering them to secure meaningful post-transition job placements in high-demand fields.

For information and application criteria, visit Onward to Opportunity.