#United States #New York #NPower #Blue Star Families #Military Spouses

Collaboration for Change

In a significant move towards enhancing economic mobility for military spouses, NPower has joined forces with Blue Star Families, aiming to provide vital resources that facilitate pathways into technology careers. NPower, a recognized national nonprofit, has always emphasized the importance of tech careers for young adults and military-connected individuals, and this partnership marks a pivotal step in that mission.

Addressing Employment Challenges

Military spouses often grapple with hefty employment barriers due to frequent relocations, career gaps, and the challenges of balancing family responsibilities. According to a study by the Department of Defense, military spouses face unemployment rates that are four times higher than the national average. This calls for urgent intervention. The newly formed partnership seeks to alleviate some of these challenges by offering free tech training, mentorship, and job placement assistance specifically tailored for military spouses in the Blue Star Families network.

Skills Training and Career Support

NPower's Tech Fundamentals program will serve as the backbone of the training initiative, equipping participants with critical skills in IT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Through this program, military spouses will have the opportunity to:

• - Earn industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA A+, IT Fundamentals+, and Google IT Support.
• - Gain hands-on experience through an IT Generalist Apprenticeship, which will enhance their employability in the tech sector.
• - Access a suite of support services including job placement assistance, career coaching, resume help, networking opportunities, and mentorship from industry professionals.

Kathy Roth-Douquet, the CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Star Families, expressed enthusiasm about this alliance. "Military spouses are an incredibly talented group but face systemic employment obstacles. By collaborating with NPower, we can provide them with access to skills that lead to high-paying, flexible tech careers, ensuring financial security and professional growth," she stated.

A Comprehensive Approach

NPower’s CEO, Bertina Ceccarelli, highlighted the synergy between the two organizations. "We are thrilled to partner with Blue Star Families. This collaboration will combine our expertise in tech training and job placement with their advocacy and employer network, maximizing our shared goals of breaking down employment barriers for military spouses."

This partnership is uniquely positioned to empower military spouses through a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on skill development but also on long-term career success in the tech industry. The goal is for 30% of NPower's graduates to be military-connected, with military spouses representing roughly one-third of that population.

Call to Action

Military spouses eager to embark on a tech career through NPower's Tech Fundamentals program can find more information and apply here. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for military spouses to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Commitment to Community

NPower has been instrumental in shaping the future of tech-enabled careers since its inception in 2008, having helped over 12,000 individuals, including military-connected people, gain the skills necessary to succeed in the digital economy. Their holistic approach integrates technical training with career mentorship and support services, ensuring that participants can effectively handle life’s transitions.

Meanwhile, Blue Star Families has established itself as the nation's foremost support organization for military and Veteran families, impacting over 1.5 million people annually since its founding in 2009. By collaborating with NPower, they aim not only to provide immediate resources but to build longer-term community resilience and opportunities for military-connected individuals.

As both organizations continue to grow and adapt, their joint efforts are a vital step toward ensuring that military spouses can find meaningful employment within the tech sector, thus contributing to their economic stability and overall well-being.