NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accenture (NYSE:ACN) has granted more than US$2.5 million to help the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) expand its successful Onward to Opportunity-Veteran Career Transition Program (O2O-VCTP) initiative, which provides comprehensive training, certification and transitional employment support to veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.
Finding sustainable employment is one of the most challenging parts of transitioning from military to civilian life. Several recent veteran surveys including those by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, CNAS and IVMF, indicate on average 50% of veterans left their first post-military jobs within a year. Accenture’s contribution will help IVMF expand its O2O-VCTP initiative online and to eight additional U.S. military installations over the next two years, providing civilian job training and matching services to nearly 23,000 participants. More than half are expected to advance their current careers or secure employment.
“The experience and attributes of military men, women and their spouses, including leadership, adaptability and resiliency, are critical to the work we deliver for our clients,” said Julie Sweet, Accenture’s Chief Executive Officer – North America. “Our partnership with IVMF reflects our joint commitment to help veterans and their families thrive in civilian life, and to bridge the gap between military experience and sustainable private sector careers.”
Accenture also will support the design and development of IVMF’s new Global Learning Hub, which will launch in 2019. Applying the latest innovations in digital experiences and collaborative technology, the Hub will act as a virtual portal that enables easier collaboration between program participants, IVMF staff and employer partners. Participants will experience a suite of career-readiness tools that supplement their learning and career preparation, and gain access to content from employers actively hiring veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.
“Our partnership with Accenture has been critical to the success of the Institute,” said Dr. Mike Haynie, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and Executive Director of the IVMF. “Their commitment and contributions to make a measurable difference in the lives of those whom we serve – veterans, service members and military families is a force multiplier. This partnership illustrates the impact we can make when the private and non-profit sectors come together and commit to helping those who have worn this nation’s uniform.”
This grant brings Accenture’s total support to IVMF to nearly US$4 million since 2011. Accenture partners with IVMF through its global corporate citizenship initiative, Skills to Succeed, helping the organization deploy the educational, employment and life-skills training that ensures veterans and their families thrive post-service. In 2015, the company helped IVMF launch O2O-VCTP, which to date has successfully placed more than 1,000 participants into meaningful employment opportunities – including at Accenture.
Accenture is committed to hiring 5,000 U.S. veterans and military spouses by 2020. The company has a number of initiatives – including its Veteran Technology Training and Student Veteran programs – to attract former active-duty personnel and current reservists. Currently, more than 2,100 U.S. veterans, spouses, former active duty-personnel, national guard and current reservists work at Accenture. To explore the company’s initiatives that support this community, and to apply for open positions, visit accenture.com/military.
Accenture in the United States
Accenture is a leading professional services company providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Serving 93 of the Fortune 100 and more than 70 percent of the Fortune 500, Accenture employs an innovation-led approach to help clients imagine and invent their future. The company has more than 50,000 people and operations in 42 cities in the United States, and with an unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity, is consistently recognized on FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For and DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity lists. Visit us at accenture.com/US.
About IVMF
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) 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 also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The Institute, 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 ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.