As the coronavirus took hold in the United States, it forced changes in many facets of daily life from business operations to grocery shopping to education opportunities.
At Syracuse University, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program was already ahead of many similar programs. O2O is a career training and professional certification program for transitioning servicemembers, veterans, members of the National Guard and reserves, and spouses. The free program, which serves as a linchpin toward in-demand careers, began in 2015 and offered in-person and virtual opportunities.
The program has not been limited by geography. While it has a footprint at 19 installations, there has always been a virtual aspect. Students have come from all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as overseas. Each month, roughly 1,000 participants are enrolled in the virtual option.
That made it easy to transition to an all-virtual scenario, first at JBLM in March.