Service members and veterans transitioning to new careers in Hawaii are now eligible to apply for a new 18-week information technology academy on the at Schofield Barracks, according to a Defense Visual Information Distribution Services (DVIDS) report.
The new Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA), which is operated by Microsoft Military Affairs, officially opened July 10 with its first students attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Schofield Barracks Education Center.
The academy provides critical career skills in IT, plus transition assistance like resume preparation and interviewing skills.
“What a privilege it is to bring this program to the state of Hawaii and the military community here on the island and to add Schofield Barracks as our newest campus,” said Matt Brogdon, senior engagement manager for Microsoft Military Affairs.
“We have folks who have an IT MOS or people who have no background in technology and are interested in getting in the IT industry,” Brogdon said. “Upon graduation, we offer them an interview with either Microsoft or one of our over 500 partner employers.”
Hawaii’s inaugural class began July 1 with 17 students and now those new attendees are set to graduate Nov. 10.
The academy began as a pilot at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., in July 2013 and has since grown to include 15 locations and nine regions across the country. More than 1,600 graduates have completed the academy, and once employed in the field, graduates have potential to earn a national average salary of $75,000.
Photo by Aiko Brum