New Degree Program Offers Military Families Clear Pathway to Federal Careers

Golden Key Group (GKG), a prominent player in the realm of federal human capital solutions, has recently unveiled an innovative partnership with Barton Community College. This collaboration aims to launch the nation's first Associate of Arts degree with a focus on Federal Human Resources, specifically designed to create career-ready pathways for transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses.

This groundbreaking program lays down a structured route into federal HR careers, delivering a portable, career-oriented education that resonates with the federal government's extensive hiring needs. For servicemembers approaching retirement, contemplating a shift to civilian life, or spouses seeking flexible yet stable employment—this curriculum offers a direct pipeline to in-demand federal positions that promise competitive salaries, retirement benefits, and healthcare security.

The unique nature of military life, characterized by frequent relocations and deployments, often complicates traditional career trajectories. This program is responsive to these challenges and addresses a vital practical need among military families. By offering positions in federal HR at military installations and government offices nationwide, it provides an enticing opportunity for military spouses to build lasting careers that can travel with them.

Courses within this program are fully online and designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for synchronization with training schedules, deployments, and family responsibilities. This adaptability means that spouses can maintain careers across different postings, thereby boosting family financial stability and alleviating stress during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, which directly supports retention of military personnel.

Gretchen McCracken, CEO of Golden Key Group, emphasized their commitment to military support, stating, “Supporting our military is part of GKG's DNA, and this program is another way we're ensuring continued success for them and their families.” She expressed enthusiasm about being involved in this transformative initiative.

The development of this program reflects a long-standing collaboration between GKG’s federal HR experts, Barton’s academic leadership, and GKG’s elite Instructional Design Team. The curriculum provides students with real-world insights into human resources within the federal landscape—a domain increasingly in need of new talent, especially post-pandemic.

Importance for Military Families and the Workforce

Career Portability

Military spouses are no longer tethered to a single location for their career aspirations. The portable education provided by this program enables them to seek employment in federal HR positions available throughout the U.S. and overseas, creating a viable career path regardless of their family’s movements.

Post-Service Employment

For transitioning servicemembers, the program offers an opportunity to acquire credentials that are recognized across all federal agencies. This recognition enhances their employability and eases the shift to civilian employment.

Strengthening the Federal Workforce

The new generation of HR professionals that emerge from this program will possess a profound understanding and appreciation for military service, coupled with a strong desire to support military personnel and their families.

Programs like Barton’s Federal Human Resources degree are crucial for maintaining readiness and retention within the military. With stable career opportunities available for military families, servicemembers can focus on their missions, knowing that their families are secure and their futures are bright, even after leaving the uniform.

Enrollment has begun for classes starting January, and interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spots and embark on this new career path today. For more information about the Federal Human Resources Associate of Arts degree, please visit Barton's official website.

About Golden Key Group

Golden Key Group is a leading provider of human capital management solutions, specializing in workforce transformation, employee training and development, and strategic workforce initiatives. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and results driven by client needs, GKG is dedicated to empowering businesses and government agencies to enhance their workforce and operational efficiency.

This initiative not only empowers military members and their families but also fosters a competent and dedicated HR workforce ready to serve the federal government and, by extension, the nation.