Fast-Tracking Military Spouse Careers

In the 2021 Military Family Support Programming Survey, over three-quarters of our survey respondents indicated that they carried debt and 80.7% shared that their finances have caused them at least some stress in the past 12 months. Increasingly, families find that two incomes are needed to ensure their financial stability. However, military spouses face unique challenges like frequent moves that create additional hurdles when looking for employment.

Our research also tells us that military spouse employment is not just a financial issue — spouse unemployment is also a causal factor of food insecurity for military families and creates additional stress for families transitioning from military service.

Fortunately, there are resources available to spouses seeking career opportunities. As MFAN continues our efforts to understand and amplify the needs of military-connected families, we remain committed to ensuring that families can access available programs and services to meet the employment needs of military spouses.

access the webinar on demand

Moderator

Erin Kahn – Senior Manager of Programs, MFAN

Presenter

Eddy Mentzer – Associate Director of Military Community Support Programs, DoD’s Military Community and Family Policy

Learning Outcomes

• The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides education and career guidance to military spouses. Resources include career coaches, financial assistance through MyCAA, job boards, and other tools designed to meet the unique needs of military spouses.
• The Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot is a three-year pilot program that provides accepted military spouses with 12-week paid fellowships that offer hands-on training and mentorship in the civilian workforce.

Additional resources

Check out these organizations that provide information, tools, and resources for military spouses seeking career support:

• Hiring Our Heroes
• D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families