Career Training

Onward to Opportunity (O2O)


Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. O2O combines industry-validated curricula, strong partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies, and comprehensive career coaching services to prepare and match you with your next career.

Alumni + Support


As a graduate or participant of one of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ programs, you are a part of an ever-growing network of IVMF alumni across the globe! As IVMF was founded at Syracuse University and is headquartered on their campus, completing an IVMF program also makes you a Syracuse University alum! This extensive network is here for you to stay connected and leverage for your professional/entrepreneurial journey.

Take advantage of resources, webinars, and a community of veterans and military spouses that share the IVMF bond through their post-service lives. Long after you complete your course or residency, you are connected to the IVMF team for follow-up resources and opportunities as your professional goals evolve. No matter if you graduated from Onward to Opportunity or one of the eight Arsenal entrepreneurship programs the Alumni Services team supports all IVMF graduates in realizing and accomplishing their professional and personal goals.

O2O By The Numbers


From participant outcomes to curriculum data, the O2O Insights dashboard is the best way to get up-to-date and accurate information demonstrating the full scope and scale of programmatic operations and impact.

Become an Employer Partner


Onward to Opportunity (O2O) represents a paradigm shift in where, and when, the private sector engages the military-connected job seeker. The program provides employers with a unique opportunity to review the training curriculum that leverages these skills to ensure it aligns with their hiring needs. O2O also provides the nation’s employers with enhanced visibility and access to the military-connected talent pool prior to separation, allowing employers to engage with military-connected candidates earlier and develop a deeper understanding of the skills, capabilities, and value this population can lend to their organizations.

Fun + Support O2O


O2O was launched in partnership with the Shultz Family Foundation (SFF) and as the program has grown, other supporters and partners have joined in this effort to make a sustainable and long-term impact among the military-connected community as they transition to civilian life.

Onward to opportunity graduate

“Anyone I know that has transitioned or is getting ready to transition, I’m a big advocate for Onward to Opportunity. It’s been great for me, and I’ve seen it work not just for me – I’ve seen the people to the left of me and to the right of me in my cohort getting jobs.”

Military installation: Fort Bragg, NC
SAS Programming 1 & 2 Graduate
Geospatial Intelligence Instructor, BAE Systems

Zekenyia Simmons

Chief Warrant Officer 2, US Army