Military Spouse Education & Career Opportunities

A recent Defense Department report found that military spouses typically experience a 26% unemployment rate, and military wives experience a 25% wage gap when compared to civilians. The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program was created as a resource for military spouses to close these gaps. Since the start of the military spouse employment partnership in June 2011, over 36,000 military spouses have been hired through the program, according to program manager Megan O’Grady. The Defense Department is also working to create partnerships and personally rewarding opportunities for military spouses no matter where the family is stationed. The 4 primary pillars of the program are:

1. Career exploration
2. Education & training
3. Employment readiness
4. Career Connection

Active guard and reserve members are eligible to use this program and are encouraged to take advantage of this helpful and successful resource.