7 OF THE BEST VETERAN & MILITARY SPOUSE TECH SCHOLARSHIPS (& FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS, TOO!)
If you are a Veteran or a Veteran’s spouse hoping to start or advance a technology career, you already know that having the proper training and education is the key to your success. However, you also probably already know getting that key can be expensive—which is why you are probably here to learn about tech-related Veteran and spouse scholarships. The good news is there many opportunities to help you either get into the tech workforce or bump up your earning potential. Below are seven Veteran and spouse scholarships and free training programs. Hopefully at least one of them will be the no-cost key you were seeking! As with almost everything since 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic may have impacted some programs—for example, there may no longer be in-person training, either temporarily or permanently. Always check with each program for its current status.
7 of the Best Veteran & Military Spouse Tech Scholarships (& Free Training Programs, too!)
1. My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA): Scholarship Program
MyCAA has a unique scholarship only available to military spouses. Up to $4,000 in financial assistance is available to get the training needed to attain licenses, certifications, or associate degrees for careers in technology. They also provide an excellent information technology career search resource! More like this:7 of the Best Work-From-Home Jobs for Military Spouses
2. Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF): Onward to Opportunity (O2O) (Free Career Training)
Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) has an extraordinary free career training program for Vets and their spouses. IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program is an excellent resource to prepare and match you with your next career in tech (as well as many other fields).
3. VetsinTech (Free Online Coursework)
VetsinTech helps Veterans reintegrate into the civilian workforce. They provide a tech-specific network, resources, and programs for applicants who are interested in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Both transitioning and post-transition Veterans and their spouses have access to free classes in tech coursework that include:
4. Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE): Cybersecurity Training (Free)
Managed by the Department of Homeland Security, FedVTE provides Veterans with free cybersecurity training...all online! Participants can access more than 800 hours of training on topics that include:
- Malware analysis
- Risk management
- Ethical hacking and surveillance
Click here to apply for the FedVTE program.
5. DraftKings: Tech for Heroes (Free Training)
DraftKings’ Tech for Heroes initiative provides free and comprehensive high-tech job training to current and returning Veterans and their spouses. Participants attend online classes with DraftKings employees to get invaluable guidance that includes 1-to-1 mentoring, resume development, career road-mapping and skills translation, and peer-to-peer networking. The program works in collaboration with VetsinTech and American Corporate Partners and is funded by several of its charity fantasy sports contests held throughout the year, with all proceeds going to support Veterans and Tech for Heroes.
6. V School: GI Bill / Veterans in Tech Scholarships
The V School’s online high-tech training offers students an opportunity to get more than just a coding or digital design “boot camp.” As a Veteran, there are two options to get that training at little or no cost:
- GI Bill: You can use this invaluable education benefit to attend V School.
- Veterans in Tech Scholarship: V School also offers vets a full ride to its full-stack JavaScript web development course.
How to apply:Click here to schedule an application with V School. More like this:Which Online Colleges for Veterans are Really the Best?
7. National Military Family Association (NMFA): Code Platoon (Scholarships)
NMF’s Code Platoon is a non-profit that helps Veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement. Their 14-week “coding bootcamp” is ideal for Veterans and military spouses who want on the path of becoming professional software developers. To be honest, it’s not cheap—in 2021, tuition was $16,000. However, Code Platoon says there are several VA-related methods that can be used for paying the tuition (like the GI Bill), and there are several scholarships that pay for most (if not all) of the tuition.
Veteran, Spouse Scholarships Opportunities Help Grow the Community
Up-to-date training in technology fields can help Veterans and military spouses put their best foot forward when looking for a new career. Many of these opportunities are available online, which is making it easier than ever to build job skills that get your foot in the door and then a permanent seat at a tech company! What to read next:What Really are the Best Jobs for Veterans…and How Do You Get Them?Do you know of any other Veteran and spouse scholarships—for tech or any other field? Do you have experience with these programs? Please share in the comments section!