For veterans pursuing education in 2026, a four-year degree is no longer the only—or always the most practical—path forward. Certificate programs, industry-recognized credentials and microcredentials have become increasingly visible across higher education and workforce training. For veterans balancing employment, family responsibilities or health considerations, these shorter programs offer a focused, measurable way to translate learning into civilian opportunities.Rather than replacing traditional degrees, certificates and microcredentials expand the range of options available to student veterans navigating post-service transitions.Focused SkillsCertificate and microcredential programs are designed to deliver specific, job-aligned skills in a condensed timeframe. Many can be completed in months rather than…
Author: USVM
Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life often seek higher education to enhance their career prospects. Online degree programs offer flexibility and accessibility, making them an excellent choice for veterans balancing work, family and education. Here, we explore some of the top online degree programs tailored for veterans, their benefits, and why these institutions stand out. Additionally, we’ll highlight whether they accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and the types of degrees offered.American Military UniversityAmerican Military University (AMU) is an online, military-friendly university that is part of the American Public University System (APUS). It’s…
When Liz Meyers talks about the Dogtopia Foundation, she returns to a simple belief: dogs have the power to change lives. That philosophy has shaped Dogtopia since its earliest days as a dog daycare, boarding and spa franchise, and it now serves as the foundation for a nationwide movement supporting veterans, students and adults with autism. At the center of that work is a growing commitment to providing highly trained service dogs to veterans—an effort that has already reached a significant milestone. Community Milestone This year, the Dogtopia Foundation surpassed $5 million raised. For Meyers, the number is more than…
As service members prepare to transition from military service to civilian careers, large employers play an increasingly influential role in shaping post-service opportunities. Amazon has positioned itself as one of the most visible corporate partners supporting the veteran community through structured fellowships, training programs and long-term career development pathways.Through initiatives such as its Military Fellowship and participation in the DoD’s SkillBridge program, Amazon connects military experience with roles across technology, logistics, operations and leadership functions throughout its global workforce.Hiring CommitmentAmazon employs tens of thousands of veterans and military spouses across its businesses. In 2021, the company publicly committed to hiring…
If you’re a veteran with dreams of running your own business, you’ve already proven you have the discipline, dedication, and leadership skills to succeed. But let’s be real—getting the right funding to kickstart or expand your business can feel like navigating a minefield. Luckily, there are plenty of loan options out there tailored just for veterans, and we’re here to help you figure out how to secure the financing you need.Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of business loans, let’s acknowledge one simple fact: veterans are naturally built for business. The same qualities that help service members thrive—problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork—are…
Rodney Bullard grew up in Decatur, Georgia, surrounded by two guiding forces: service and education. His father was a Baptist minister, his mother an educator, and together they helped shape a worldview centered on dignity, connection and collective responsibility. That foundation, strengthened by Bullard’s Air Force career and later his leadership roles in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, ultimately led him to create The Same House—an organization built to bridge social and economic divides by bringing people and institutions together. Calling to Serve Bullard’s path toward community-focused leadership took shape during his tenure at Chick-fil-A, where he developed and led…
Millions of people have watched Sam Eckholm’s videos—not for spectacle, but for understanding. From inside fighter jets to cargo aircraft and operational units around the world, Eckholm has built a platform that explains military life to audiences far beyond the installation gates. The former Air Force officer says that his work has never been about views or virality. It is about service—and about telling stories that too often remain unseen.Service RootsEckholm did not set out to become one of the most recognizable storytellers in the military media space. His path began at the Air Force Academy, where service—not storytelling—defined the…
On this week’s episode of We’re Out of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Beyond the Gates star and U.S. Marine veteran Maurice P. Kerry for a raw conversation about survival, PTSD, homelessness and rebuilding a life after war—along with fatherhood as a proud “girl dad” and his current role as Randy on CBS’ Beyond the Gates. Now streaming, the episode, hosted by Richard Taite, founder of Carrara Treatment, is now streaming on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. finds Kerry opening up about the struggles many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, how PTSD impacts his work…
Military life is defined by movement. Servicemembers are transferred to new bases every few years, deployment cycles disrupt routines, and spouses often juggle parenting, employment and relocation with little warning.These shifts can make a traditional campus education all but impossible. Yet the stories of students at American Military University (AMU) show that mobility can be an asset, not a barrier. By harnessing flexible online programs and supportive faculty, military spouses and families are turning life on the move into an opportunity to learn and grow.Finding a Path That Moves With YouOne of the most striking examples comes from Chanda Chann,…
Years of service forge more than just discipline—they develop strategic thinkers, decisive leaders and mission-driven professionals who know how to perform under pressure and adapt in real-time. Veterans possess an unmatched combination of resilience, technical know-how and collaborative strength that civilian industries are eager to tap into.Yet finding the right civilian path isn’t just about job hunting—it’s about discovering where your military-honed strengths align with meaningful, sustainable opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to roles that mirror your expertise or ready to explore new terrain, navigating the next phase requires clarity, confidence and the right tools.In the sections ahead, we break down…
