Onward to Opportunity: Your Next Mission Starts Here For veterans and military spouses, the transition to civilian life often brings a tough question: What's next?

Onward to Opportunity: Your Next Mission Starts Here

Empowering Veterans and Military Spouses: Free Transition Support from IVMF

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that has already helped more than 100,000 transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses launch new careers . The program combines industry-validated certification training with comprehensive career coaching and employer connections . And it works.

Proven Results That Matter

Research conducted by Penn State's Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness revealed that O2O graduates have double the likelihood of securing improved employment opportunities and typically earn $7,000 more on average compared to those who did not join the program. For enlisted service members ranked E-6 and below, this benefit increases to an additional $13,000 in starting salary.

The program also delivers statistically validated positive impacts on post-service employment and six-month job retention.

What You Can Learn

O2O offers more than 40 learning pathways leading to in-demand careers . Popular certifications include:

Project Management Professional (PMP)— Initial salary: $73,678

- Google Cybersecurity— Increasing demand in all industries

- CompTIA Security+— A basic IT certification

- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)— Initial salary: $74,821

- Six Sigma Green Belt — Initial salary: $65,811

- PHR (Professional in Human Resources)— Sought after in corporate sectors

New Opportunities: Semiconductor Training

Through a partnership with Micron Technology, O2O now offers a Semiconductor Foundations course—a three-hour introduction to the semiconductor industry, designed to connect veterans and military spouses to careers in advanced manufacturing .

Micron's operations are expanding across New York, Idaho, and Virginia, with over 9,000 jobs expected in Central New York alone . The course is delivered through Syracuse University's College of Professional Studies and connects directly to IVMF's employer portal, where Micron is the first featured employer . Additional partners include GlobalFoundries, SEMI, and the Semiconductor Industry Association .

Who Qualifies

The program is available at no cost to :

- Service members on active duty within 180 days of separation

- Veterans

- Military spouses

- National Guard and Reserve members

How to Get Started

1. Visit the O2O website at ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/

2. Complete the application process—an assessment gauges your interest in business management and/or information technology tracks

3. Expect a 2-3 month waiting period for course start dates

The Alumni Advantage

By finishing an IVMF program, you become an alumni of Syracuse University, linking you to an extensive network of veterans, military spouses, and employers. Alumni services offer webinars, resources, and continuous career support.

As O2O graduate Nyle Van Doren put it: “Onward to Opportunity was a transformative experience in my transition from military to civilian life.

The program not only provided the training and support needed to successfully earn a valuable industry certification but also helped me expand my professional network in meaningful ways.” Your future career awaits. The training comes at no cost. The network is unparalleled. Plus, you've already demonstrated your ability to handle the mission.