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Wake Tech Receives $100,000 Grant To Serve Veterans
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 10, 2014) - Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Wake Tech Community College is helping veterans translate military experience into opportunities for employment and career advancement. The funds are part of a $1 million grant IVMF received from the Walmart Foundation for veteran vocational education. With the donation, Wake Tech will support vocational education and training for veterans – one of three such grants awarded nationwide.
The funds will go toward the Accelerated Career Transformation Services (ACTS) program, started at Wake Tech last year with an initial donation of $10,000 from IVMF via the Walmart Foundation. The ACTS program aims to improve education and career outcomes for veterans by offering accelerated credentialing opportunities in areas where military training can give them an edge. Four career tracks with high employment gaps have been identified in which Military Occupation Specialist (MOS) training will translate into accelerated programs of study: Cyber-security, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), EMT/Paramedic, and Apartment Maintenance Technician.
“This is such a win-win!” says Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen C. Scott. “Walmart’s generous donation allows us to provide more resources to veterans who have given so much to our community and our nation – and at the same time, to build a more highly-skilled workforce that strengthens our regional economy.”
Following its original pledge of $20 million in 2011, this May the Walmart Foundation announced another $20 million commitment through 2015 to support veteran employment and transition programs. Walmart is committed to offering a job to veterans who have separated from active duty within the last 12 months. To date, Walmart has hired nearly 50,000 veterans through its Welcome Home Commitment.
For more information on the ACTS program, visit veterans.waketech.edu.
