10 Programs That Help Veterans Move Into Tech

The short version

You do not need a computer science degree to move into tech. These ten programs train veterans and military families for tech roles, and most are free or employer funded. This is a starting roster, not a ranking, and not an endorsement. Check eligibility, cost, and start dates before you enroll.

Source: VA VET TEC 2.0

How to use this list

These programs are vetted, not ranked. Inclusion is not an endorsement, and finishing a program does not mean a job is waiting. Cohort dates, city locations, and eligibility can change, so confirm current details on each program's official page before you enroll.

Pick the lane before the program

Answer first: choose the job, then the training. Cloud, data, cybersecurity, and software each have their own path. Start with the free options and the VA benefit, and stack a certificate with real projects and networking. Many of these tracks pair well with a SkillBridge during your last 180 days.

The 10 programs

• Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA): Full-time training in cloud development or cloud administration for transitioning service members and veterans. Microsoft funds it, and graduates can interview with Microsoft and hiring partners. Start on the MSSA page.
• AWS re/Start: Free, full-time cloud training that connects graduates with employers, plus Amazon military apprenticeships. No tech background required. Start on the AWS re/Start page.
• Salesforce Military: Free, self-paced training, certifications, and exam vouchers in the Salesforce ecosystem through Trailhead. Fits admin and developer paths. Start on the Salesforce Military site.
• VA VET TEC 2.0: A VA benefit that can pay tuition, a housing allowance, and a stipend for approved high-tech training. You do not need remaining GI Bill entitlement to qualify. Start on the VA VET TEC 2.0 page.
• Operation Code: A veteran-led nonprofit with mentorship, scholarships, and a community for learning software development. Start on the Operation Code site.
• VetsInTech: Nonprofit tech education, career services, and entrepreneurship for veterans and spouses. Start on the VetsInTech site.
• Correlation One: Free, employer-funded data analytics and AI training, with a DoD SkillBridge track for active-duty members. Start on the Correlation One site.
• Per Scholas: No-cost, full-time tech training in cities nationwide, with a veteran-focused track. Start on the Per Scholas veterans page.
• Grow with Google: Google Career Certificates in fields like IT support, data analytics, and cybersecurity, offered free to the military community through Hiring Our Heroes Career Forward. Start on the Grow with Google military page.
• NPower: Free tech fundamentals training with certifications and job-placement help for veterans and young adults. Start on the NPower veteran page.

FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No. These programs train from the ground up, and many start with no tech background required.

Are they really free?

Most are free or employer funded, and VET TEC 2.0 is a VA benefit. Confirm any deposit or cost before you enroll.

Can I train while still in uniform?

Some, like Correlation One and MSSA, offer SkillBridge or transition tracks during your last 180 days. See our SkillBridge guide.

Will a certificate get me hired?

A certificate builds skills and shows effort, but you still interview and compete. Pair it with projects and networking.

Which program should I pick?

Match the program to the job you want: cloud, data, cybersecurity, or software. Start with the free options and the VA benefit.

Do military spouses qualify?

Many of these programs include military spouses. Check each site for current eligibility.

Where to get help

• Your installation Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office, for training referrals and workshops.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, education benefits and VET TEC 2.0: va.gov/education.
• U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DoL VETS): dol.gov/agencies/vets.
• Military OneSource, 800-342-9647: militaryonesource.mil.

Verification Notes

• All ten program pages were confirmed live in July 2026 through their official sites.
• VA VET TEC 2.0 reopened its participant application on June 15, 2026 and is funded through September 30, 2027, with a per-year participant cap set by Congress. Confirm current eligibility and status on va.gov.
• Program availability, cohort dates, and city locations change often. Provider-published placement figures were not independently verified and are not cited here.
• This list is not ranked and is not an endorsement. No placement rates, salaries, or job guarantees are implied.

Sources & links

• VA VET TEC 2.0: va.gov
• Microsoft Software & Systems Academy: military.microsoft.com/mssa
• AWS re/Start: aws.amazon.com/training/restart
• Salesforce Military: veterans.my.site.com
• Operation Code: operationcode.org
• VetsInTech: vetsintech.co
• Correlation One: correlation-one.com
• Per Scholas veterans: perscholas.org/veterans
• Grow with Google military: grow.google
• NPower veterans: npower.org
• DoD SkillBridge: skillbridge.osd.mil

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