Veteran Friendly!

A Proven Plan to Get Veterans Trained, Certified, and Hired

Actual Quote From a Veteran Student:

"He has an exceptional ability to connect with and support veterans transitioning into civilian careers, and he is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enter the field of Information Technology."
--Christian Zavala, United States Navy

10 Common Challenges Faced by Veteran Students and How They are Addressed at Eddie Teaches IT

• Challenge #1: Veterans have a high unemployment rate, especially those without a degree.
• Solution: Eddie Teaches IT specializes in getting students trained, certified, and hired into tech careers. Most don't have a college degree. College students are considered successful when they get a degree. Eddie Teaches IT students are considered successful when they get a job.
  
  
  Every student goes through a structured training plan that, when completed, results in a job in the field at a near 100% rate. Students are never on their own. During training, they get plenty of access to extra help and mentoring. When training is complete, they get help with their resume, writing cover letters, interviewing skills, and job search. Many students become friends and attend social events together, even after class ends. When someone lands a new job, especially their first in the field, that is a day for everyone to celebrate.

• Challenge #2: Veteran students tend to be older than traditional college students and can feel out of place at college.
• Solution: Veterans fit in perfectly at Eddie Teaches IT.
  
  
  About 80% of college veterans are over 25 years old, leaving many to feel out of place at college because of their age. Eddie's students are more diverse. There are students who are traditional college age (18-23), but there are also students in their upper 20s, 30s, 40s, and older. Many of Eddie's students are trying to switch careers.

• Challenge #3: Many veterans don't want to go to a 4 year college since they want to start their career more quickly.
• Solution: Eddie's students are usually trained, certified, and hired in about 8 months, not 4 years.
  
  
  Eddie Teaches IT students work on passing certification exams, which leads to them getting hired. They are never required to take unnecessary classes. In college, more than 2 years is devoted to general education classes unrelated to a student's major.

• Challenge #4: Many veterans have disabilities, which may make it more difficult to achieve academic and career success.
• Solution: Eddie has worked with at least 30 veteran students and, in total, at least 40 students who disclosed having a disability. Students get a very personalized, inclusive, and welcoming experience that is designed to help them succeed.
  
  
  Every student deals with obstacles and every student works with Eddie to help address them. The goal of training is to pass certification exams and get employed. Students work with Eddie on achieving those goals.
  
  The classroom environment is very inclusive and very welcoming. Overall, the entire training program is very personalized and flexible. It is usually much easier to work around and address disabilities or other obstacles in this personalized and inclusive setting.

• Challenge #5: Veterans are transitioning from a highly structured environment and can struggle in educational environments that are less structured.
• Solution: Eddie Teaches IT is very structured.
  
  
  Eddie Teaches IT is very structured. Students have detailed plans outlining exactly what to do and how to do it. They know what is expected of them at all times. Their job is to work hard and put in the effort, something most veterans excel at.

• Challenge #6: Veterans can be very busy with doctor appointments, military obligations, and taking care of family. This can interfere with studying and attending class.
• Solution: Arrangements can be made to overcome just about any obstacle.
  
  
  About 47% of veterans are married and about 47% have kids. Many have medical appointments they must attend and other obligations that can get in the way of class or studying.
  
  Although Eddie Teaches IT is very structured, it is also very flexible. Life happens, and students do not get penalized for that. Instead of disciplinary action and potentially expelling students, which can happen in college, Eddie works with students individually to help them succeed. Training plans can be adjusted and obstacles can be overcome.
  
  College students tend to take 4 or 5 classes at a time. At Eddie Teaches IT, students take one class at a time. Most are available at night. This makes it much easier on students who need to attend appointments.
  
  Class schedules are carefully planned to make sure students are in class the perfect amount. There are enough classes for students to learn everything they need without wasting time with unnecessary classes. Most courses meet for 12 or so class sessions, plus any extra help needed. Students are never asked to attend unnecessary class sessions, something that is very typical in college.

• Challenge #7: Veterans can have difficulty sitting for extended periods of time.
• Solution: All student desks are sit/stand desks which can be raised for standing. Students are also welcome to take a break at any time.
  
  
  Students can raise their desks at any time. They are also welcome to take breaks at any time. This may be considered troublesome behavior at colleges. At Eddie Teaches IT, there is an appreciation for every student. Students who have difficulties like sitting are respected for their willingness to still show up.

• Challenge #8: Veterans can feel unwelcome at college campuses because of anti-military or anti-war protests and sentiment.
• Solution: Eddie Teaches IT is a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect. All students are welcome and treated with respect. There are no protests.
  
  
  At Eddie Teaches IT, there is a sense of team and a real respect among students. There is no giant college campus for protests. Just a team atmosphere and friends. Veterans and all students are respected and appreciated.

• Challenge #9: Students may feel uncomfortable communicating sensitive issues to college officials or professors.
• Solution: Students meet Eddie and get a sense of the environment before ever going to class. They can decide if it is the right environment for them.
  
  
  In college, students would have to talk to professors and other college officials in a special office about sensitive issues which may be getting in the way. At Eddie Teaches IT, there is one person to talk to. Students meet him before ever going to class and can decide for themselves if this is someone they would trust and want to work with.

• Challenge #10: Many veteran students face school-related challenges, including how to study, how to manage their time, and how to interact with classmates and teachers.
• Solution: These issues are common among veteran and non-veteran students. They are addressed in group settings and one-on-one conversations.
  
  
  Many students have difficulty with how to study, how to manage their time, and how to interact with others. This is not unique to veterans. One-on-one meetings and group discussions help students who have difficulty in these areas.

7 Reasons Why Many Veteran Students are Successful