Veterans and their spouses are eligible for free training programs offered by NPower.

NPower’s program has served more than 1,600 Veterans and military spouses with free tech training, professional development, social and mental health support, assistance navigating VA benefits, paid learning opportunities and job placements – all for aiding participants into a successful career in tech.

Finding meaningful employment after leaving the military is one of the most important steps in a service member’s transition to civilian life. Despite possessing a myriad of valuable skills, nearly 50% of Veterans leave the military without job prospects.

Technology jobs are in high demand and competition for tech workers will remain strong in 2022. Veterans are well positioned to meet this demand. Veterans often possess sharp technical skills and have experience with complex equipment. The military prepares individuals to operate in fast-paced environments, and they do so with teamwork and an ability to apply problem solving to any issue.

NPower classes

  • Classes are available twice per year: spring and fall
  • Spring 2022 classes begin February 21, and applications are due before then
  • Participating cities: Baltimore, Dallas, Jersey City, Newark, Los Angeles*, San Jose
  • Who is eligible:
    • Military Veterans and military spouses that are located in or near the following U.S. cities:
      • Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles*, Newark, San Francisco
      • While training is currently virtual, applicants must live in the above cities for in-person professional development and job placements
    • Over 21 years of age
    • Transitioning active-duty service member/honorably discharged/member of the Guard or Reserve
    • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

How to apply: visit: npower.org/apply-2022

Los Angeles County residents, please apply here: npower.org/apply/it-support-specialist

Contact: military@npower.org

To support Veterans in starting a career in tech, NPower’s free program offers:

  • 16 – 23 weeks of live virtual instruction with experts
  • Tech industry certifications (CompTIA, Google and more)
  • A full range of ongoing social support and guidance navigating financial hardship, VA benefits, food insecurity, child care assistance and more
  • Employment readiness workshops (interview prep, resume help, job searching)
  • Access to mentorship and networking with other IT professionals and fellow NPower students and graduates

Not only does the program have an 80% graduate rate, the average graduate increases their salary by 361% compared to their pre-program salary.

For many NPower graduates, the program not only offered a second opportunity for success in the country’s fastest-growing sector, but also a second chance in life.

official west point photo of Npower graduate Cameron

Army Veteran Cameron is a graduate of NPower’s free tech training program for Veterans and military spouses.

Army Veteran Cameron was on an esteemed track at West Point when a devastating brain aneurysm derailed his plans. Returning to his love of technology, he sought a new opportunity and found NPower. Currently enrolled in the Tech Fundamentals program, he is getting back on track and is resetting his life with a new career opportunity in tech.

“What reset means to me is having a fresh start. You have the chance to rewrite what has happened to you,” Cameron said.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Sarai enlisted after high school for a chance to create a better life for herself. During her time in the service, she experienced assault, isolation and feelings of powerlessness. Upon leaving the military, and during what she considered to be one of the lowest points in her life, she found that NPower offered a pathway for a career opportunity in tech, and also was a source of mental health support and professional development that helped her regain her confidence. With her experience and training in NPower’s advanced program, Sarai now works as an information security engineer and also gives back through her mentorship of NPower students.

photo of woman smiling

Air Force Veteran Sarai.

“The NPower program helped create structure, purpose and clarity in my life, as well as renewing the passion for service and self improvement,” Sarai said.

Hear from other Veteran graduates on their life-changing experience in the NPower program: The Voices of NPower Veterans.

What to expect

Eligible applicants can start their application process online. Click here for more information on the application process. There will be a series of interviews to assess applicants’ eligibility and fit for the program. Applicants can speak to an NPower team member and attend a virtual information session to ask any questions. After participating in virtual interviews and being accepted into the NPower program, students can start their virtual classes to launch their IT career.

After 16 – 23 weeks of intensive hands-on technical and soft-skills training, students are placed in a paid internship with top corporations and nonprofits for on-the-job experience. Veterans and spouses can also benefit from NPower’s mentoring, employment readiness workshops and job placement assistance. NPower also offers professional development classes in resume writing, interviewing skills and other job readiness skills.

As an NPower alumni, Veterans can access a growing network in technology, as well as advanced programs, professional workshops, panel events, and can even give back to the community as a guest lecturer, mentor or NPower ambassador.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about NPower.

*The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Verify information with the organization offering.

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67 Comments

  1. Mrscott March 3, 2022 at 13:24

    The VA has many programs and offerings for Veterans that encompass a wide variety of careers , geography and availability throughout CONUS and World.
    Their efforts, while not perfect, are ongoing and ever changing and available from many sources. I have been pleasantly surprised by the changes and at
    times overwhelmed by the resources for careers and job search. As a Veteran who had none of these resources available at ETS I appreciate and applaud
    the positive changes and commend those who work to help . Please look into the resources available through the many websites and lets
    keep the comments on this one focused and professional. This is a good thing, lets keep it going.

  2. Petunia Adrewson February 18, 2022 at 16:29

    I would agree with all that said pointed out the lack of locations due to the offering company’s locations. I, like everybody else, I was looking forward to something like this.

    I would suggest that it be offered as a full virtual experience. Some education is better than nothing at all.

  3. Richard February 17, 2022 at 21:45

    Richard

    Please let me know when the class will be available in Philadelphia, PA

  4. Jared Polito February 17, 2022 at 16:18

    Would be nice if you had something in Northern Colorado.

  5. Miranda Horton February 17, 2022 at 16:02

    I am very interested in this. Are they also offering it at any point for Vets in the Phoenix area?

  6. Richard R. Contreras February 17, 2022 at 15:07

    Hello,
    I live in Orange County, Calif. Your list of cities says Los Angeles County residents. Orange County is right next to LA County. Can I still enroll, and I’m an old vet. ( Vietnam era), do I still qualify?
    Richard R. Contreras

  7. Bob Sullivan February 17, 2022 at 14:09

    Why not offered online for all?

  8. Mike February 17, 2022 at 11:47

    Very Nice Offer, but the limited availability should of been more visible upfront. Great disappointment when determine not available for yours truly due to geography

    • Mark February 17, 2022 at 16:21

      Hey Mike, many others including myself are asking the same question. I’m just sorry you had to be called a “Conspiracy Theorist”, for simply pointing out a flaw in the opportunity presentation :/

    • Miguel Colon February 18, 2022 at 10:10

      I wish they had a program in Florida.

  9. Mark February 17, 2022 at 11:05

    I understand the frustration getting an email that sounds promising only to find out there are limits on it but instead of coming up with conspiracy theories do some research first. If you go to the organization that is running this program you’ll see they are only in certain locations. https://www.npower.org/locations/ They are a non-profit that partnered with the VA to get their information out it’s not a VA created program.

    • Maricza Mckenzie February 17, 2022 at 11:39

      Thank you Mark for your response to a lot of the frustration in the comments about limited locations.

      My name is Maricza Mckenzie I am Program Director of NPower Texas. I am also an Army Veteran who went through the NPower program back in 2015.

      Over the years NPower has expanded our geo-reach across the U.S, like Mark said we are a non-profit organization.

      We know and see the need for the NPower program in other locations. Trust me, when I say it takes time and resources to expand and NPower is working toward that goal.
      Where we are able to serve more in the military community as well as the young adult community.

      Thank you all for your service to our country, and we hope to one day serve all who wish to make Information Technology a career.

      Please email our recruitment teams at: military@npower.org for more information.

      • Steph February 18, 2022 at 10:48

        Perhaps a hyperlink in the title or first paragraph that states “click here for eligible locations” would decrease the frustration in the comments. Although I love to read and pass on knowledge, others like to skim the headlines to obtain their information. What people should understand is just because it does not apply today, things change and they should keep checking for updates. Just a suggestion, thanks.

    • Chris Starling February 17, 2022 at 12:57

      Mark. Thanks for this response and clarification. I am a retired Marine and I lead NPower California. Half my NPower CA team are veterans. We wish we could be more places and serve more people. We have plans to grow. The program is solid and there is a reason we focus on veterans, spouses (and even dependents aged 18-26) within a 2-3 hour radius of these cities. The endstate is getting our graduates jobs. That requires personal relationships with employers. We know the job market and the companies. We set up the job interviews and talk our grads up before sending them to meet the recruiter. Warm introductions are a competitive advantage. Therefore, our students/graduates should be in commuting range of those jobs. We have helped get veterans jobs at Deloitte, Accenture, Astreya, even Google and the SF Giants. Grateful to the VA for sharing this. We are 100% free of charge and part of my job is raising funds so that we can serve more veterans and expand to more cities and states.

    • Ian February 22, 2022 at 10:39

      It’s not a conspiracy theory it’s just shtty click bait titles within the VA; trying to get more clicks?

      For what? Could start with the geolock; are you in these four cities? Something to that effect instead of wasting our damn time.

  10. John Collins February 17, 2022 at 10:56

    Hello my name us John Collins I am very interested in this program. I am in Atlanta, GA. the program is virtual so why can’t I participate. Please advise thank you.

  11. Ronnie February 17, 2022 at 10:54

    Hey all, kind of bummed myself that this isnt offered in more places, especially because I’m in Chicago area. BUT, I can tell you that I just completed a great program for UX Design at General Assembly, and I believe it’s covered by any GI Bill more recent than the post 9/11. They have a multitude of “Bootcamp” certification programs. I had some benefits remaining after getting my bachelors and used it for this. It’s veteran owned. They have limited locations as well, but maybe it supplements for some of the lacking locations for this.

    https://generalassemb.ly/

    P.s. I’m not a bot, just trying to look out for my fellow vets. ;) Hope this helps.

  12. Jaime February 17, 2022 at 10:50

    A “tech” program that’s geo-locked? C’mon yall. Other than that gripe, sounds like a great opportunity for those fortunate to be near.

  13. richard February 17, 2022 at 10:47

    All great programs and everything. Why am I being sent this email When I don’t live in your targeted area. either offer the program to everyone without a barrier or send it to the the targeted area of people only. this got my hopes but I am no where near any of these places.

  14. Steve Sanders February 17, 2022 at 10:40

    Sad that this program is so limited.

    Check out these programs (100% online; 100% free to Active Duty, Spouses and Veterans – to the best of my knowledge):

    https://veterans.force.com/s/
    https://www.hiringourheroes.org/
    https://merivis.org/

    I got involved with Vetforce (free training for Salesforce) about 1.5 years ago, then got involved with their fellowship program through Hiring Our Heroes, which got me a job in a consulting firm. Others that I have worked with along the way recommended Mervis, a professional mentorship program for vets. I have never used their program, but they have a great reputation!

  15. JR February 17, 2022 at 09:52

    Offered as a “technology program” and can’t be delivered by means of technology–Online??? So only 5 cities???

    Who is running the show???

  16. Jeremy February 17, 2022 at 09:31

    Looks like the government is trying to get us veterans in 1 of 5 cities, I wonder why

  17. Jennifer S February 17, 2022 at 09:04

    I live in Connecticut, if this were offered in NYC it would not be too much to commute. However, Jersey City is about two hours one way. Any chance it will be offered throughout the country in more areas?

    • Terrance Ruffin February 17, 2022 at 10:52

      Hello,

      My name is Terrance R and I’m one of the Recruitment and Admissions Managers here at NPower in New Jersey. I understand you live in Connecticut please feel free to apply to either the Jersey City or Newark location in New Jersey at https://www.npower.org/apply/. If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to me at terrance.ruffin@npower.org

  18. Bob February 17, 2022 at 08:48

    sounds like a great program, however very disappointed that it is only targeted to a select geo area. This is the problem with so many programs, they promise great things and then create barriers. Shame on the VA for even promoting this and sending this to me and the thousands of others vets. This is nothing more than false advertising and really should have been considered junk mail

  19. Kenneth Sierra February 17, 2022 at 08:24

    Why don’t you offer this in Colorado..quest Colorado is not important

  20. Talina February 17, 2022 at 08:14

    This article got me excited – until I saw this:

    “Participating cities: Baltimore, Dallas, Jersey City, Newark, Los Angeles*, San Jose.
    While training is currently virtual, applicants must live in the above cities for in-person professional development and job placements.”

    Like pretty much every comment said, we’d like this opportunity to better ourselves and further our careers, but the randomness of the cities in which this training is located in is extremely odd. MD, NJ & CA… Three states, really? This sounds more like a pilot than an actual program that is up and running. At minimal, his should be available in at least 1 major city in EACH state – two to three cities in larger states such as PA, SC & TX.

    This definitely was not well planned out or executed prior to bringing this to our attention… As they say in the Marine Corps, Proper Planning Prevents P*ss Poor Procedure… Y’all got our hopes up then gave us the green weenie. SMH Then y’all give us math problems so we can post a comment. SMH

  21. Jimbo Jones February 17, 2022 at 07:57

    People…this is a recruitment for def / intel / contract work. The gov is bleeding conservatives and the liberals aren’t joining up. Plus those cities guarantee a high percentage of progressive-marxistist oriented candidates.

    • Pop February 17, 2022 at 10:33

      Shame on you.

  22. Joe Blow February 17, 2022 at 07:53

    Obviously a recruitment program for mil/def/Intel agencies.

  23. Hugh Odum February 17, 2022 at 07:36

    Such a small area for training. Geographically, this is a slap in the face for 98% of the rest of the country. This must be a government program, lol.

  24. Katilia Maura February 17, 2022 at 07:33

    Sounds like a great program but why aren’t you offering to other states? I’m sure other veterans in other states would benefit from a program like this.

  25. Tyler Beck February 17, 2022 at 00:10

    When will this be offered in other cities beyond those listed in this article? It’s not fair to folks in cities like Omaha, Nebraska.

    • Anna Perrotti February 17, 2022 at 12:48

      Hello and thanks so much for commenting. The program currently only accepts folks living in or near the cities listed due to the nature of our job placement format post-training. While the training can be offered virtually from any state, we cannot assist with job placement in cities where we have no relationships with prospective employers. We are working hard to expand our services and hope to serve you in the near future.

  26. Andre Williams February 16, 2022 at 22:50

    I would love to sign up for the program.

  27. Deborah Bines February 16, 2022 at 22:10

    Why is this offer for all states?

  28. Ronald Jones February 16, 2022 at 22:06

    Is there anything for Kansas city,Kansas veteran for schooling or tech career.

  29. JB Parker February 16, 2022 at 22:04

    Can’t see the benefit for those in areas just as torn with veterans struggling in places like Newport News, VA and Charleston, SC amongst others.

  30. FRANK MYSAYSANA February 16, 2022 at 21:50

    Does this program require any GI education benefits?

    I have seen other programs like this but, those require some amount of remaining GI bill benefits.

    • Terrance Ruffin February 17, 2022 at 10:54

      Hello,

      This program does not require you to have any educational GI benefits.

      Thanks,

  31. Josh February 16, 2022 at 21:33

    If it’s all virtual why do I need to be in one of these cities? I always see these and VetTech opportunities that I’d like to participate in; but none of them are ever in my area.

    • Jhanda Sims February 17, 2022 at 08:22

      Vet tech you can attend intellectual points program online . They’re bases out of Virginia but you can attend virtually. :)

  32. Hugh J Russell February 16, 2022 at 21:23

    Not quite understanding what this is. I am interested in doing welding/tech classes.

    Hugh Russell, veteran USMC 83 to 89.

    And why won’t this darn thing post?

  33. Margaret price February 16, 2022 at 21:11

    Why other city weren’t offered

  34. Cailon King February 16, 2022 at 21:05

    Is this program accessible to VA employees? I work at VA in Durham and would be very interested in it.

  35. Leon Hill February 16, 2022 at 20:00

    So wht about those not located near these areas, how is tht fair to them. Hell some of us would like to participate also

  36. Ana February 16, 2022 at 19:59

    Wish there were more places to do the hands on training.

    • sixsox February 17, 2022 at 09:35

      sounds like biden put this tech program together. its available to only 6 cities and their outskirts, nobody else, but send this out to everybody, show them what they got have.

      unless, this is the mission, you want a tech career, hack in to make it available in your city& state.
      work on algorithms and coding..and other technology vocab words that make you sound like you know what your doing.

  37. Tanya Wehrsig February 16, 2022 at 19:20

    Please let me know if this gets to AZ! Sounds great!

  38. Recon Seven February 16, 2022 at 19:14

    Free training for folks in SIX cities. You actually suck for posting this in an email TO ALL veterans. Get fcked.

    • Wes Warren February 17, 2022 at 09:26

      I totally agree, I was about to go to school for IT and then saw this, then saw you had to live in 1 of 6 cities…like WTF why post it for everyone to get their hopes up.

  39. DeMarcus Blakeney February 16, 2022 at 19:06

    Are these programs offered in NC

    • Wes Warren February 17, 2022 at 09:26

      no…only in major cities

  40. Billy Dickerson February 16, 2022 at 19:06

    When will this be expanded to include other cities? I live outside of New Orleans an there is nothing like this available.

  41. Ladale Rogers February 16, 2022 at 18:56

    How do I sign up

  42. Ted Vaughan III February 16, 2022 at 18:44

    So I guess the rest of us and the rest of the country don’t matter or would need anything like this Just those who live in these lake cities another great job by the veterans administration

  43. Ricky Brown February 16, 2022 at 18:40

    When will this program be available in Cincinnati Ohio?

  44. CHRISTOPHER H ROYAL February 16, 2022 at 18:39

    Does any of the opportunities extend to GA?

  45. Eric D Beck February 16, 2022 at 18:36

    It’s only good if you live in 1 of 7 cities. Why post to all?

  46. Sam Stalvey February 16, 2022 at 18:20

    I wish there was something like this in florids

  47. James Calbert February 16, 2022 at 18:13

    When will this be made more widely available? Can’t quite understand how, considering it’s virtual training, it’s only available to veterans in a few cities!

    • Talina February 17, 2022 at 07:59

      The articles says there’s a hands on part, and that’s why you need to live in or near those cities.

    • Anna Perrotti February 17, 2022 at 12:52

      Hi James. The training is virtual but the reason we can only work with folks living near the listed cities is because we assist with job placement after the training, and most of the partnerships we have with employers are local to our brick and mortar offices. Happy to answer any more questions you have.

      • Michael C Ingle February 17, 2022 at 19:39

        So, not all deserving veterans get the same opportunity as do urban veterans? Most veterans I know would rather live in in the country? Veterans should get the same opportunities no matter what. It’s up to them to relocate if they want to advance, but at least give us the same shot.

  48. Ryan February 16, 2022 at 18:12

    how about near Tampa!?!

  49. Carl L Bradshaw February 16, 2022 at 18:11

    No comment

  50. Steve February 16, 2022 at 17:55

    Very poor offer since you must live in one of five cities to participate …

Comments are closed.

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