The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it will award $5 million in grants to organizations providing employment-based resources and tools for recently separated members of the Armed Forces and their spouses.

The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative extended to support Veterans' spouses, will distribute grants to 13 organizations. These grantees will offer services including resume assistance, interview training, job recruitment training, employment placement services, employment education and training, and referrals for employment.

Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, there has been a focus on eliminating barriers to employment and increasing economic opportunities for Veteran and military families. This includes First Lady Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative. The new grant program builds on an Executive Order signed by President Biden in 2023, which introduced actions aimed at enhancing career stability and expanding employment resources for Veteran and military families, including improved transition assistance support for spouses.

“Each year, more than 200,000 service members make the transition to civilian life, and we know that journey doesn’t just affect the Veteran — it impacts their entire family,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. “Through partnerships with community organizations, we’re providing Veterans and their spouses with the support and resources they need to succeed together in this new chapter of life.”

Each selected organization will receive a grant award up to $500,000, which they will match. Recently separated service members and their spouses may sign up for these services starting in early 2025. The grant awardees are:

- American Corporate Partners

- Corporate America Supports You

- Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board

- Jacksonville State University

- Jewish Vocational Service

- Kansas City Scholars Inc.

- National University

- Operation Stand Down Rhode Island

- Operation Stand Down Tennessee

- Orange County United Way

- The Commit Foundation

- The Houston Launch Pad

- University Of Massachusetts

The VA also offers additional services to help Veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses find and keep jobs through programs such as Personalized Career Planning and Guidance and Veteran Readiness and Employment. These programs provide career counseling, assessment, and education planning tailored to Veteran needs.