SEATTLE, Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Schultz Family Foundation announced a $7.5 million investment to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University to advance the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program in support of veteran career preparation and employment.

Each year, approximately 250,000 veterans and their families transition from the military to civilian life. While returning service members have diverse skills demanded by today’s civilian labor force, including tenacious work ethics, tested leadership, and strategic problem-solving abilities, these transitions too often leave veterans struggling to best align the experience acquired during military careers with the civilian workplace.

Today’s grant announcement coincides with the release of, “A Case for Patient Philanthropy: Supporting Jobs and Careers for Military-Connected Americans,” which details the rationale and impact of the O2O program. Funded through a grant from the Schultz Family Foundation, the white paper details the costs and consequences associated with a failed or sub-optimal employment transition for the service member, his or her family, and society.

Since the inception of Onward to Opportunity in 2015, the Schultz Family Foundation and IVMF have partnered to develop the program’s vision and design, and to guide its launch in 2016. The Foundation continues to support the program and work closely with IVMF, as well as other public and private sector partners, on the ongoing evolution and growth of O2O to reach as many transitioning service members as possible. O2O has provided in-demand skills training and certification to nearly 20,000 service members, veterans, and military spouses across all 50 states and abroad resulting in more than 11,000 of these individuals transitioning to employment. Thousands of others have gone on to pursue higher education and vocational training, or perhaps saved their credentialing for future employment as they continue their transition to the civilian world. O2O is a first of its kind initiative operating on 18 military installations with more than 8,000 participants enrolling annually.

The grant announced today will enable O2O to expand its reach and impact, and ensure transitioning service members around the world have access to first-class training up to six months before they take off their uniform and have their next job lined up when they return home. The program already has connected 11,000 veterans and spouses with careers, and projects an additional 4,000 to 4,500 hires per year moving forward.

“Our goal at the Schultz Family Foundation is to support these men and women who have worn the cloth of the nation as they transition into civilian life,” said Howard Schultz, co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation. “Onward to Opportunity is a win-win. The program allows our volunteer service members to be recognized for their knowledge, talent, and experience when they return home, and it connects employers to one of the country’s deepest pools of workforce-ready talent. We are proud to continue to partner with the IVMF, the U.S. Department of Defense, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and other leading private sector partners to ensure our veterans and their families make a smooth transition and achieve the same security at home that they made possible for the rest of us through their service.”

According to “A Case for Patient Philanthropy: Supporting Jobs and Careers for Military-Connected Americans,” unemployment or underemployment at the time of transition undermines the long-term financial health of the family unit, contributes to marginalized health outcomes, and has been linked to an increased rate of suicidal ideation among veterans.

O2O is currently one of the largest Career Skills Programs, operating on 18 military installations and virtually around the world, and serving more transitioning service members and their spouses than many other programs. Available at no cost to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses, more than 8,000 participants enroll each year. The program equips participants with certifications such as information technology (IT) project management, human resources, and cybersecurity—empowering them to secure meaningful post-transition job placements in high-demand fields. The program is fueled in part by more than 800 employer partnerships including with well-known companies such as Accenture, Apple, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Microsoft, Prudential, SAS, Starbucks, and USAA.

“The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University is honored to receive this grant, and continue the important work we’re doing alongside the Schultz Family Foundation to serve, support, and empower our nation’s veterans, transitioning service members, and their families,” says Dr. Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation at Syracuse University and IVMF executive director. “Onward to Opportunity is an example of how together, public, private, and philanthropic partners can innovate and collaborate to address complex social and economic challenges impacting people and families deserving of our support. O2O continues to transform the transition experience for military service members and veterans, while at the same time creating a pathway for the nation’s employers to benefit from the unique skills and experiences represented by our veterans.”

About Schultz Family Foundation
The Schultz Family Foundation, established in 1996 by Sheri and Howard Schultz, aims to unlock America’s potential, one individual and one community at a time. It creates opportunities for populations facing barriers to success to ensure that their place in life isn’t determined by zip code, race, religion, gender, or sexual identity. Investing in innovative, scalable solutions, and partnerships, the Foundation focuses its efforts on two groups with enormous promise: the 4.6 million youth and young adults aged between 16 and 24 who are out of school and out of work, and the 3.8 million post-9/11 veterans and approximately 250,000 service members who transition from active, National Guard, or Reserve duty to civilian life each year. Visit https://SchultzFamilyFoundation.org for more information.

About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education, and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational, and entrepreneurship education and training, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. The IVMF supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. To date, the Institute has served 100,000 military service members, veterans, and their families through myriad programs. IVMF, supported by a distinguished advisory board along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit https://ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths. At Syracuse University, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges, and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. Please visit https://syracuse.edu for more information.

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SOURCE Schultz Family Foundation