Transforming the Journey
Georgia Tech College of Lifetime Learning Leads Innovation in Military Transition Support
Transition and transformation have defined not only the journey of Georgia Tech’s College of Lifetime Learning Military Programs, but also the experiences of the service members it supports — from the program’s earliest days to the challenges it has navigated over the years
In 2012, Georgia Tech made the decision to play a primary role in addressing the veteran unemployment challenge facing the state of Georgia. At the time, veteran unemployment was twice that of the non-veteran workforce at nearly 13%. James R. Wilburn, Ed.D, PMP, LSSBB, Program Director of Georgia Tech Military Programs, worked to create the Veterans Education Training and Transition (VET2) program that pairs relevant, high demand, certificate producing skill set training with experiential learning opportunities (internship) and veteran focused workforce integration training. In 2014, the program was approved by the Department of the Army as the first Career Skills Program in the country to be offered by a college or university.
The best part of the VET2 program is its focus on “employment as a result of program participation” as opposed to just credential attainment. Recent data from Fort Stewart (2022–2024) shows that over 65% of transitioning service members prioritize immediate employment over higher education which highlights the critical need for programs like VET2. By integrating online learning, classroom instruction in a high-demand skillset, and hands-on internships, VET2 equips participants with the skills, confidence and networks needed to navigate the challenging military-to-civilian career transition, resulting in employment and the start of a new career. Since the program launch, the VET2 program has helped over 2,700 transitioning servicemembers, military spouses and veterans successfully find employment.
The program’s biggest challenge is keeping it free for service members while securing diverse funding from sources like Gulfstream Foundation and Boeing. Although the program is a state‑approved workforce program, Georgia’s workforce funding for dislocated workers continues to decline. In response to reduced funding and the lingering impacts of COVID‑19, VET² has adapted by leveraging partnerships and external support.
Expansion beyond the foundational VET² model has been transformative and includes:
- My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA): Expanded support to military spouses with scholarships for portable, high‑demand career certifications.
- Credentialing Assistance (CA): Using the Army’s COOL program, service members can earn credentials now while preserving CSP eligibility for future internships or apprenticeships.
- DoD SkillBridge Program: Connects service members in their final 180 days to industry partners for civilian apprenticeships and training.
- DoD Civilian & Active‑Duty Unit Certificates: Streamlined procurement so DoD Civilians and Active-Duty units can use GPCs and SF 182 funding for professional development.
The Military Programs team has been together for many years and reaches out to our military bases across the state of Georgia. “You are literally changing the trajectory of entire families — turning post-service anxiety into excitement, sacrifice into pride and the end of one chapter into the beginning of a life filled with purpose and opportunity,” said Wilburn of the Military Programs team. “Lives and legacies are being transformed because of your relentless dedication, compassion and belief that every veteran deserves a future as bright as the one they fought for.”
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