Susquehanna Workforce Network's Veteran Navigator for Military Corps Career Connect, or C3, Kimberly Joyner, visited the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command to inform Soldiers of a new program available to prepare them for a job after transitioning...
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- During a recent Soldier For Life session, or SFL, members from Susquehanna Workforce Network, or SWN, visited the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command to inform Soldiers of a new program available to prepare them for a job after transitioning out of the military.
The program is called Military Corps Career Connect, also known as the C3 grant, which provides effective employment and training assistance in Harford and Cecil County for Soldiers transitioning from the military who plan to reside in Maryland.
Kimberly Joyner, veteran navigator for C3, explained the details of the grant and why it's beneficial.
"The C3 grant prepares Soldiers with training, licensing, and certifications needed for a successful civilian career," Joyner said. "This way, when a veteran is approaching retirement, they can have a plan and not be unemployed once they retire."
The state of Maryland previously had the second highest unemployment rate for veterans in the U.S., Joyner stated when explaining one of the reasons behind the program.
Eligibility requirements for the grant:
- Separating in the next 12 months or retiring within the next 24 months;
- Resides or relocating to Maryland;
- Recently separated veteran (4 years or less);
- Other than Dishonorable Discharge;
- Active duty spouse (Relocated to Maryland within last 48 months);
- Unemployed or underemployed once out of the military.
"This grant has a generous amount of training dollars available, so if there is training that someone is interested in, they can let us know and we will assist them," Joyner said. "Not only will this help them get certified for a job of interest before they exit the military, it will also help save their GI bill."
Joyner is passionate about the C3 program because she is an Army veteran and military spouse who has personally experienced the challenges of finding employment after leaving the military.
The program also offers services in career planning, coaching, job preparation, work and learn opportunities and support with licensing and certification. All of the services are free of charge.
SWN is a private non-profit workforce development organization that assists area businesses to grow and attract their workforce and area residents with career and employment options. They are located near Aberdeen Proving Ground. The program is also available at Ft. Meade, Joint Base Andrews and Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
For more information on SLF, visit https://soldierforlife.army.mil/. For more information on the SWN and the C3 grant, visit www.SWNetwork.org. For those interested in viewing the different types of trainings and certifications, visit www.mhec.maryland.gov.
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