Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF/D’Aniello Institute) has turned a campus initiative into a national model for success in career transition-related training programs for the military-community.

The D’Aniello Institute’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program is a career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services at no cost to transitioning service members, Veterans and military spouses. Based on recent findings, the program is also proven to have a significantly positive impact on the success rate of transitioning service members.

The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Pennsylvania State University recently finished evaluating more than three years of data on the O2O program. The study concluded that O2O graduates experience a significant increase in post-service employment opportunities and success.

The two-part report found that O2O graduates were twice as likely to find better employment opportunities and, on average, earn $7,000 more than their peers who did not take part in the program. For those enlisted service members with a paygrade of E-6 or below, the program shows even better results with an average starting salary $13,000 higher than their peers.

“As a newly married military spouse who left an established career in one location, getting back into the workforce was quite terrifying. Overall, for O2O, if you are a Veteran or family member, do it. This course changed the trajectory of my career, and I am so, so thankful.” – Kimberly Gold, O2O graduate (project management professional). U.S. Army Veteran and military spouse

Onward to Opportunity is available at no cost for service members on active duty within 180 days of separation, Veterans, military-connected spouses and members of the National Guard and the reserves. O2O offers more than 40 professional industry-standard certifications leading to in-demand careers. The program offers beginner and entry-level certifications to help launch a new career, or intermediate and advanced certifications to help the experienced professional take the next step in advancing their career.

A few examples of available certifications and projected salaries through the program include:

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
    Starting Salary: $74,821
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
    Starting Salary: $73,678
  • Six Sigma Green Belt
    Start Salary: $65,811

Those interested in learning more about the O2O program or applying for one of the 40+ professional pathways, can visit the Onward to Opportunity website for application procedures and to review frequently asked questions.

The program requires an assessment to gauge the participant’s interest in the business management and/or information technology training tracks. The application process also takes into consideration the participant’s education, professional experience and general interest, as well as skills related to our partners’ employment opportunities.

Due to current volume of requests and required planning processes, there is currently a 2 to 3 month waiting period for those interested in starting an O2O course. Upon submission of the Online Interest Form, interested applicants can expect to touch base with a member of the IVMF’s team to continue the application process for a future cohort or request additional information regarding program eligibility with alternative options.

Charlie Poag is the communications manager for Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families and the Office of Veteran & Military Affairs. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat camera marine and a communications strategy and operations chief. He can be reached at cpoag@syr.edu.

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Website: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/

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11 Comments

  1. Richard and Deborah Lawrence January 7, 2023 at 19:47

    I and my husband would like to be apart of the CCSK training.

  2. jurle pitt January 4, 2023 at 14:59

    Is there career investment programs training?

  3. Tabatha Patton December 30, 2022 at 01:32

    Why is this only offered to newly transitioning vets (within 180 days)? Wouldn’t it be worth the effort to offer this to all vets? Especially older veterans who need the education with new technology. I attended college only 7years ago and most of the programs we used then are outdated now; thus we have had to learn new technology/programs/skills. Also, many veterans were not offered or did not have the opportunity to transition so smoothly back into civilian sector. I know many who are still struggling and would benefit greatly from this.

  4. Caroline Lc December 29, 2022 at 16:54

    What is the service date requirement for career training and/or other training equivalents. The GI Bill I earned was only 10k and it was wartime and I still work and need to finish school.

  5. Alex Colonna December 29, 2022 at 14:04

    Is it possible for adult children of disabled veterans to participate in this program(s)?

  6. Laquesha Jackson December 29, 2022 at 08:52

    I would love to be apart of the career training

  7. Eric Booker December 29, 2022 at 00:16

    Why do they still discriminate against Vietnam veterans?…. The training discharge years stop at 1982!!!… you can’t fill out the application earlier than 1982!

  8. Michael Ford December 28, 2022 at 23:15

    I would like to receive training for certified Information systems professional jobs and humane Resources and Cyber Security certified training.

  9. Michael Ford December 28, 2022 at 23:08

    Is there free training for cybersecurity certificate and humane Resources Certificate training jobs for veterans and where.

  10. Jim Babbitt December 28, 2022 at 22:09

    Is there an age limit? Your calendar does not go back to by separation date.

  11. Douglas MacKechnie December 28, 2022 at 18:08

    How about a Licensed MSW Social Worker who is fit, alert and is only 83 Years Old. I retired as a Licensed Nursing Home Admin of a 383 Bed Nursing Home. Visit the gym daily and can leg press 400lbs.

Comments are closed.

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