Onward to Opportunity 100k Celebration

The IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program has helped transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses obtain key certifications and launch their civilian careers since 2011. This spring, O2O hit a major milestone, impacting 100,000 participants.

Some 200,000 servicemembers transition back to civilian life every year. For many, finding a path for their post-service career is the most challenging aspect of transitioning. O2O has made that process so much easier for those interested in careers in the cybersecurity, IT, project management, human resources, and customer service fields.

Help our O2O team celebrate this incredible milestone by letting them know how O2O helped you chase your dream job. Here’s to the next 100,000!

Why does O2O Matter?

“A successful transition to the workforce during the critical first three years outside the service can shape a new veteran’s well-being for life.”

Megan Andros
Director of Veterans Affairs at the Heinz Endowments

Statistically Validated Programming

All military employment programs are trying to help veterans, transition servicemembers, or military spouses find fulfilling work. While effort is wonderful, there’s no way to know if you’re actually helping without doing third-party statistical evaluations. This empowers the program managers to see the impact they’re having, and optimize program offerings to align with what the participants say is helpful.

In 2021, Onward to Opportunity (O2O) underwent a third-party impact evaluation, and the findings were staggering. On average, O2O participants receive a $7,000 higher starting salary than those that don’t. That starting salary number balloons to $13,000 more if the participant achieved a rank of E-6 or lower before separating. Needless to say, the impact evaluation found O2O had a “significant and positive” impact on transitioning servicemembers.

Check out the entire report for yourself, and see who is participating in O2O, and what they’re getting out of it.

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State

“Onward to Opportunity is now the only veteran career training program that can demonstrate third-party validated efficacy for program participants with this level of evaluation rigor.”

Penn State’s Clearinghouse Evaluation Team

Employers Want Veteran Talent

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) has more than employment partners in both the private and public sector who support the program and understand the value of employing veterans and military spouses. Our partners stand with us because they want access to the incredible skills and experience in the veteran and military spouse talent pool.

Hear what some of our partners have to say about the quality of military talent they’ve hired through O2O!

CACI International, Inc.

“CACI has always considered O2O as a very reliable, strong talent pipeline. We were recognized as O2O/Hire Heroes USA’s top employer hiring partner for several years.”

Gary Patton MG, (Ret)
Vice President, Veterans & Military Affairs

Accenture

“By leveraging the O2O program, Accenture has effectively tapped into a pool of highly skilled and dedicated veterans, providing them with a smooth transition into civilian careers while simultaneously bringing in great talent to meet our customer needs.”

Quincy D. Harper, Sr., USAF (Ret.)
Military Recruiting Liaison Lead, Accenture Federal Services

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is IVMF’s premiere career training program for military personnel, veterans, and military spouses interested in customer service, business management, and IT professional careers. It features both virtual and in-person training at sixteen locations across the United States offerings over 40 different professional certifications, including Google Cybersecurity Certification. O2O is a no cost program that provides participants full access to a wealth of employment training, coaching, advice, and hiring opportunities. Learn more and apply to move your civilian career forward today!

A woman sitting at a table talking with a man a couple seats away.

There are one hundred thousand different reasons transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses have sought professional certifications from Onward to Opportunity (O2O). Each “why” is different, but their goal is the same—find a dream and launch the career that changes their life and provides for those they care about most.

Finding work after transitioning to civilian life, or as a military spouse is challenging. O2O helps make it all a little easier by providing no-cost access to professional certifications and career coaching services. Listen to just a few O2O alumni about their experience and how it changed their life for the better.

Veteran Leadership

"Veterans bring strong leadership, discipline, adaptability, and a mission-first mindset that consistently elevate team performance. Programs like O2O equip veterans with industry-recognized training and certifications that align with what companies are actively seeking, making the career shift smoother and more impactful for all."

Greg Renz
Military & Veteran Program Lead Talent Acquisition

O2O Changed My Life

"The Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program has been nothing short of life-changing for me. As a military spouse navigating the job market, I struggled to find a career path that aligned with my skills, aspirations, and the unique challenges of military life. O2O not only provided me with free career training but also gave me the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed in ways I never imagined. “O2O not only gave me the technical skills and professional network to succeed but also helped me find a career that fits seamlessly with the military lifestyle. I can work from home, build a meaningful career, and spend precious time with my family. The confidence and direction I gained through this program are invaluable, and I owe so much of my success to the incredible support and resources provided by O2O"

Madison Fuciarelli
USMC Spouse

Without O2O, It Wouldn’t Have Been Possible

"My journey towards achieving the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification would not have been possible without the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program. The financial support provided by O2O for exam fees and study materials significantly alleviated the financial burden associated with pursuing such a challenging and expensive certification. “This support underscored O2O’s commitment to empowering veterans with the tools and resources necessary to achieve their career aspirations. The O2O program provided me with preparatory resources that contained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the CISSP exam. The flexibility of the online program enabled me to effectively balance my studies with other commitments and maintain a healthy work-life balance."

Felipe Bermudez
CISSP, US Navy Veteran

A special acknowledgment goes to the Schultz Family Foundation, whose belief in this program from the very beginning—and continued partnership ever since—has been nothing short of transformative. Your vision and support helped make this impact possible.

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