Training & Education Opportunities

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)

What It Is
Veterans Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program that offers free, college‑prep support to help veterans succeed in higher education or technical training. Established in 1972 and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, VUB projects operate nationwide.

Key Services (Always Free)

  • Academic Refresher Courses – Math, writing, science, computers, and more

  • Test Preparation – ACCUPLACER, CLEP, ACT/SAT, and placement exams

  • College & Career Guidance – Major selection, vocational options, transfer planning

  • Admissions & Financial‑Aid Coaching – Application assistance, FAFSA, GI Bill advice

  • Student Success Workshops – Study skills, time management, tutoring referrals

  • Supportive Services – VA benefit navigation, laptop/calculator loans, counseling referrals

  • Flexible Delivery – Self‑paced online modules, evening, and weekend classes

Eligibility

To enroll, participants must:

  1. Be a U.S. veteran with at least 181 days of active‑duty service (or a service‑connected medical discharge), released under conditions other than dishonorable.

  2. Demonstrate academic need and meet at least one of the following:

    • Potential first‑generation college student, or

    • Meet federal low‑income guidelines.

How to Enroll

  1. Locate the VUB project for your state or county via the program directory (see website below).

  2. Complete a short eligibility interview and submit a DD‑214 (Member 4) or NGB‑22 plus any required income/first‑generation documentation.

  3. Meet with a VUB advisor to build a personalized learning plan and begin classes.

National Contact Information

Impacting Communities Through Data Program

The Impacting Communities Through Data (ICTD) is a six week virtual program is designed to equip veterans with essential data analysis and visualization skills while providing the ability to make meaningful contributions to local environmental and social impact research, specifically through community-based projects utilizing real-world datasets from San Diego State University (SDSU) and its community partners.

  • This program is part of a broader research project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The study aims to understand how informal, online service learning can support veterans in building career confidence, improving STEM skills and job outcomes.
  • If you consent to participate in the research study through your program application, you will be asked to complete three surveys. The timing of these surveys will depend on your research group assignment. Some participants may also be invited to take part in an interview to discuss their experience. Participation in the research study is optional and not required to enroll in the ICTD program, contact the Project Coordinator, tbullington@dataelevates.com, if you have any questions about research participation.ICTD Program Flyer

Program Structure

  • Fully online with a combination of individual and group work
  • Flexible program schedule, anticipate spending 40 hours across 6 weeks on all workshops and service learning group work
  • Weekly live Zoom workshops with recordings available
  • Learning stipend provided during and upon program completion
  • Access to professional development workshops led by guest facilitators

 

Program Eligibility

  • You are a beginner in data analysis and data visualization
  • You are based in San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, or Imperial County in California
  • You have served in the U.S. military and have separated from the military or will do so prior to the program start date. Separation deadlines vary by cohort enrollment, refer to the program application form for the specific deadline

 

Apply Now

View upcoming cohorts and submit your application through the program application form. After submitting, you’ll meet with a member of the ICTD team to discuss your application. More details at veteransindata.org

NPower – Launch Your Tech Career — Tuition‑Free

NPower is a national, nonprofit tech‑training powerhouse that delivers no‑cost programs designed for service members, veterans, Guard/Reserve, and military spouses. Through a blend of live virtual instruction, hands‑on labs, and one‑on‑one mentoring, NPower has helped thousands of graduates break into high‑demand IT roles—without taking on student debt.

 

Track What You’ll Learn Typical Length Certifications & Outcomes
IT Support Specialist – California Core hardware, networking & troubleshooting skills 14‑16 wks Google IT Support Certificate, CompTIA A+
Tech Fundamentals End‑to‑end IT basics plus professional skills 16‑20 wks Google IT Support, CompTIA ITF+ / A+
App Development (Full‑Stack) Front‑ & back‑end coding, databases, Agile teamwork 20‑24 wks Portfolio & GitHub projects
Networking & Systems Administration Enterprise networks, servers, virtualization & security 20‑24 wks CompTIA Network+ / Linux+
Cybersecurity SkillBridge DoD‑approved up‑skilling during last 180 service days 16 wks CompTIA Security+, Splunk Core
Cybersecurity (Advanced, part‑time) Threat detection, incident response & hardening 26 wks (evenings) CompTIA Security+, DoD 8570 baseline
Cloud Computing AWS architecture, DevOps & cost‑optimization 12 wks AWS Cloud Practitioner & Solutions Architect‑Assoc.

Why NPower Works

  • 100 % Tuition‑Free – Programs are funded by foundations & corporate partners, so you never pay a dime.

  • Live, Instructor‑Led Training – Up to 20 weeks of interactive classes delivered online or in hybrid cohorts.

  • Industry Certifications – Graduate with stackable credentials such as Google IT, CompTIA A+/Security+, and AWS.

  • Paid Internships or Capstones – Many tracks include real‑world projects or paid experience to strengthen your resume.

  • Mentoring & Career‑Readiness – Senior IT professionals coach you through mock interviews, LinkedIn branding, and salary‑negotiation tactics.

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Transitioning active‑duty (DoD SkillBridge / CSP), honorably discharged veterans, Guard & Reserve members

  • Military spouses and (for select tracks) young adults 18‑26 from underserved communities

  • Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to attend live online sessions

  • For the IT Support Specialist – California cohort you must currently reside in California

How Work For Warriors Supports Your Journey

  1. Explore & Apply – Click the “Apply” button on any NPower course page.

  2. Tell Us – Email shayal.prasad@workforwarriors.org that you’ve submitted an NPower application.

  3. Train & Certify – Complete your program with NPower’s expert instructors.

  4. Get Referred – Upon graduation, our Veteran Staffing Consultants will fine‑tune your resume, prep you for interviews, and provide direct referrals to our business partners across California’s tech ecosystem—helping you convert new skills into real career opportunities.

BAC Local 3 Apprenticeship – Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (Northern CA)

Overview
The BAC Local 3 Apprenticeship trains men and women for high‑demand careers in masonry and allied craftwork—including Bricklayer, Pointer‑Cleaner‑Caulker (PCC), Tile Layer, Tile Finisher, Marble Mason/Finisher, Terrazzo Mechanic/Finisher, and related specialties. The program combines paid, on‑the‑job training with state‑approved classroom instruction at the Mason Development Center in Tracy, California.

Cost

  • Tuition‑free: Apprentices pay no tuition or fees.

  • Tools & safety gear: Basic starter kit (hard hat, safety glasses, etc.) is provided at no cost.

  • Earn while you learn: Apprentices start at 35‑40 % of the union journeyman wage and receive scheduled raises every six months as they meet hour and classroom milestones.

Program Length

  • 2 years (Tile & Marble Finishers)

  • 3 years (Tile Layers, Marble Masons, PCC)

  • 4 years (Bricklayers)
    All programs lead to a California state apprenticeship certificate and an internationally recognized BAC journeyman credential.

Key Benefits

  • Guaranteed job placement with signatory contractors during training

  • Structured wage progression with health, dental, pension, and annuity benefits

  • Small‑group, hands‑on classes in modern labs and outdoor masonry yards

  • Upgrade & safety training (OSHA, scaffold, welding, blueprint reading) at no cost after graduation

  • State and federal recognition, making your credential portable across the U.S. and Canada

Eligibility

  • 18 years or older

  • High‑school diploma or GED (or proof of high‑school equivalency in progress)

  • Physically able to perform construction work and lift 50 lbs+

  • Reliable transportation to various job sites throughout Northern California

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to work safely at heights

  • Must pass a basic math/measurement assessment and attend an orientation class

Application Process

  1. Contact chuck.callahan@workforwarriors.org

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