As an Authorized Training provider for some of the world’s leading tech companies, SkillStorm has partnered with colleges and universities nationwide to provide one-for-one Upskill Together Match Scholarships for individuals from an underrepresented background. Now, Upskill Together is expanding to provide scholarships to military spouses and dependents of current service members and veterans.
SkillStorm is thrilled to announce that, as of today, spouses and dependents of current service members and veterans could be eligible to apply for Upskill Together Scholarships. This unique scholarship program aims to accelerate the careers of military personnel and their loved ones through Army and Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs. Service members who use their COOL benefits to complete a SkillStorm certification training course and the relevant certification exam enable their spouses and dependents to apply for Upskill Together Scholarships.
The expansion of Upskill Together is in response to the persistent challenges of unemployment and underemployment facing military spouses. In 2022, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation conducted a survey on the unemployment rate for military spouses and found that about 22% of military spouses are unemployed, two- to four-times higher than their civilian counterparts, making them one of the most unemployed demographics in the nation. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority (88%) of military spouses have said that the military lifestyle impacts their ability to find jobs that match their experience or education level, according to research conducted by Hiring Our Heroes, Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), and First Command Financial Services Inc.
“Military families face unique challenges when it comes to employment and professional development,” said retired Lieutenant Colonel John Tansill, Director of Veteran Affairs at SkillStorm. “In partnership with universities and business leaders around the country, we’re taking action on behalf of more than 2.6 million military spouses and dependents to expand access to high-quality, no-cost upskilling opportunities that can break down barriers to employment.”
With Upskill Together Scholarship funding, spouses and dependents of service members can enroll for any of SkillStorm’s certification training courses. These courses are authorized by some of the world’s top tech companies: AWS, CompTIA, Salesforce, Appian and Pega. For spouses and dependents to be eligible, the service member or veteran must complete one of SkillStorm's AWS or CompTIA COOL certification training courses and take the relevant certification exam.
SkillStorm is proud to serve the military community and welcomes inquiries from employers or higher education institutions interested in joining the Upskill Together initiative. To learn more or apply for a scholarship, visit https://info.skillstorm.com/upskill-together-military.