If you are a service member trying to get into tech, you may be considering gaining tech certifications. That is a great start–we have talked about the benefits of tech certifications before; however, the financial hurdle associated with tech certifications can be daunting.
Thankfully, there are numerous funding options, including military benefits, scholarships and credentialing assistance programs, specifically designed to support service members. Let’s explore these funding opportunities and the military benefits available, so that you can get your tech career started without stressing about the cost.
- Credentialing Assistance (CA)
Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL)is a program offered by several branches of the military that provides funding for courses and exams leading to industry-recognized civilian credentials in an occupational area. The program is available to all ranks and components of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, if they are eligible. For eligibility criteria, please check the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard websites linked at the bottom of the blog. Available CA funding varies by branch:
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- Army: $4,000 per fiscal year
- Air Force: $4,500 lifetime
- Coast Guard: $4,500 per fiscal year
The program is voluntary and off-duty, and it is designed to support soldiers' professional development.
- The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC)
VET TEC is an initiative that caters to the educational and career needs of eligible service members and veterans. Designed to equip participants with cutting-edge skills in high-tech industries, VET TEC partners with leading training providers to deliver top-notch IT training and education. SkillStorm is a preferred VET TEC training provider, a designation given by the VA to organizations only if it agrees to refund tuition and fees if a student doesn’t find meaningful employment within 180 days of completing the program. This means SkillStorm career advisors will work with you to find employment upon completing the training program and earning your certification(s). Through this program, service members can access courses focused on a wide array of tech fields, including cyber security, cloud computing and DevOps, low-code and automation, CRM development and software development.
- Military-Specific Scholarships at Universities
Several colleges and universities offer scholarships and grants specifically tailored to military personnel seeking tech credentials. These scholarships can vary in size and may cover the full or partial cost of certification exams and training courses. If you don’t know where to get started when looking for this, get in contact with the military and veteran affairs offices at the schools you are interested in. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is an excellent resource for service members looking to earn tech certifications. Most military bases have a TAP office on base where you can meet with the program’s advisors and create an affordable, individualized path to earning tech certifications. They will provide you with all the resources you need to accelerate your career.
- Employer Assistance
If you are currently serving in the military and plan to transition to the civilian workforce, consider discussing your aspirations with your commanding officer or human resources department. Some military units and government agencies have programs in place to financially support their personnel in obtaining tech certifications that align with their roles and responsibilities.
Tech credentials hold immense value in today's job market, especially for service members transitioning to civilian life. And through the various funding options and military benefits available, including scholarship opportunities and credentialing assistance, you can obtain them without breaking the bank. By equipping yourself with sought-after tech credentials, you can secure a fulfilling career in the tech industry, bringing your valuable military experience and expertise to the forefront of innovation and progress.
If you need personalized assistance figuring out how to break into tech or how to choose the right tech certification(s) for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our advisors by sending us an email to military@skillstorm.com.
Download Our Army and Air Force COOL Infographics
Check if you’re eligible for COOL benefits
Army: https://www.armyignited.army.mil/student/army-cool/how-to-apply
Air Force: https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/how-to-apply
Coast Guard: https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/index.html
