Breaking into the tech industry can be a rewarding journey, offering endless possibilities for growth and innovation. It is also the perfect career for military spouses and dependents since it provides the flexibility they need while supporting service members.
The first step to starting your tech career is training. You might find that the tech certifications aren’t within your budget. However, there are many scholarship opportunities that can pave the way to your tech dreams. In this blog, we'll explore how military spouses and dependents can uncover valuable tech scholarships, utilize financial assistance, and take significant steps toward a fulfilling tech career.
- My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship
The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship offers up to $4,000 in funding for eligible military spouses. This program is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to spouses of active-duty service members in pursuing education, training, licenses, certificates, and degrees that lead to employment in high-demand career fields, including the tech industry. MyCAA covers tuition costs for SkillStorm’s CompTIA-authorized certification training courses, making it a valuable resource for those looking to upskill or transition into tech roles. These courses help you get certified and aim to ensure readiness for cyber security and IT project management careers.
- State Scholarships
Exploring state-based scholarship programs can uncover additional financial opportunities for military spouses and dependents pursuing tech careers. Many states offer scholarships or grants specifically targeting education and career development in industries with high job demand Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). By researching and applying for these awards, you can ease the financial burden of pursuing tech education and training, ultimately opening doors to better job prospects in the tech sector.
- University Scholarships
Several colleges and universities offer scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to military spouses and dependents. These institutions recognize the unique challenges that military families face and are committed to providing accessible education options. When considering pursuing a tech degree or certification, explore universities known for their tech programs and inquire about available scholarships for military-affiliated students. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and make tech education more attainable.
- Upskill Together
As an Authorized Training Provider for leading tech companies, SkillStorm has partnered with colleges and universities nationwide to offer online instructor-led courses that lead to industry-recognized credentials. When an individual successfully completes a SkillStorm course, our one-for-one Upskill Together Match Scholarship enables an individual from an underrepresented background to take a SkillStorm course at no cost.
Now, through the Upskill Together Military Scholarship Program, when a service member successfully completes a SkillStorm COOL certification training course and passes the relevant exam, their spouse and dependents become eligible for a free SkillStorm certification training course of their choice. It's our hope that this award will help combat then high military spouse unemployment rate and accelerate opportunity for those who may not otherwise have access to tech training.
- Build a Strong Network
Networking is a crucial aspect of career development in the tech industry, and this holds true for military spouses and dependents as well. Join online forums, social media groups, and local tech meetups to connect with professionals, mentors, and fellow learners. Building a strong network can provide you with valuable insights into the tech industry, job opportunities, and potential mentors who understand the unique challenges of maintaining a tech career while being part of a military family.
Embarking on a tech career journey as a military spouse or dependent might come with its share of challenges, but the opportunities are abundant and promising. Remember, your determination combined with the right resources can lead to a fulfilling and successful tech career, regardless of the challenges that military life may bring.
Got questions? Send us an email at itcert@skillstorm.com.
