NEW YORK –
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.