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Chamber officials said they've been told to expect about 600 fellows over the first year. Hiring Our Heroes | U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Never give up. This program is provided at no cost to employers with the Defense Department providing compensation for all military spouse fellows. Watch our Informational Webinar Recording, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Essentials, Train a corps of military spouses to provide financial counseling and education within the military community, Help military spouses achieve career goals and aspirations and enhance job-related marketability; and. So, there's nothing typical about an AFC. So not saving for those future expenses, like moving expenses, then you can't save for retirement and other long-term goals like vacation and children's education. We've dealt with numerous, obviously 43 between the three of us, numerous PCSs, deployments, TDYs, training, all sorts of things. Employers who are interested in hosting a military spouse fellow may visit the Hiring Our Heroes website to learn more. We offer those webinar review sessions twice a week, a daytime opportunity, and an evening opportunity for live participation. But it is slightly more important or more effective with service members who could then have that as something that doesn't allow them to continue forward in their career. And I think that part of the reason for that is that we can create our own career around that. Spouses can find more information about eligibility and learn how to apply for this unique opportunity onMySECO, the website of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program. An official website of the United States Government. It's such an impactful initiative that I really enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about it. Both in person and virtual sessions are available. The program manager will offer further details about the program, including additional application requirements and timelines. What material is covered in the educational component? I like to call it solo parenting. These fellowships will be available for career-ready spouses. So collectively, the three of you have relocated 43 times, which in itself is remarkable and just an example of one of the unique challenges facing military families. I would do financial education seminars with them and I would invite their spouses to come and then I would invite them to make appointments with me afterwards. Firm compliance professionals can access filings and requests, run reports and submit support tickets. It can limit that. Current, surviving spouses and spouses of retirees of a Uniformed Service member; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, Reserves, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He noted that other organizations have conducted military spouse fellowship programs successfully, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations Hiring Our Heroes. We have worked very, very hard to develop our network to support each other. The challenges military spouses face in areas such as spouse employment and child care arent new; theyve existed for a long time, Mentzer said. Now, Few Are Buying. STEP 2 Create an account at https://afcpe.smapply.io . Who is eligible for the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship? I am Shay Cook. We only have three employees, so I do a lot of different things in my role at AMBA. That was very special for her to have taken that time to tell me. He has been in for 21 years and we've been married for 22, so I've been there for the whole ride of his Air Force career. Instead of an "either an all-volunteer force or a fully conscripted force" model, I propose a both-and solution. All these spouses need is to be given the chance to show them off. Visit ourFAQ pagefor more information on: Remember, the application period opens March 1, 2023. I also in my other life assist active-duty soldiers at Fort Hood, primarily those that are getting ready to deploy or mobilized in a way to make sure that they're financially secure. It really helps light the fire under you to think, 'Okay, there's a group of people that understands the challenges that we face and are still willing to invest in us because they believe in our ability to do this and do this well.'". Calabrese graduated from the fellowship in late March and was hired as a full-time associate consultant for Cirrius. FINRA IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY REGULATORY AUTHORITY, INC. FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program: Assisting Service Members and Their Families. The spouses in our unit needed a lot of support, and so I was doing a lot of volunteering. And so, I was able to really bring that education and experience and expertise to the table and be able to develop that program. My father was a chaplain in the U.S. Army and had a newsletter that had it in there. There were a lot of young pilots. Contact information for the Program Managers can be found by referring to the Program Locations on our. According to the Defense Department's 2021 Active-Duty Spouse Survey, the spouse unemployment rate is at about 21%, even though 62% of those surveyed said they had a degree from a higher education institution. Calabrese did some freelance work and tried starting her own business, but she missed working with people. The Military Spouse Fellowship for Accredited Financial Counselor Program provides military spouses with the education necessary to enter the financial counseling career field. It just doesn't happen, especially in the current climate.". Things that happen in life can then negatively impact your ability to be promoted, to be deployed, or even to participate in general activities that may require security clearance to even draw a weapon for a weekend training or field time or other opportunities that again create that professional development for you. Career-ready spouses of members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force to include active, reserve and National Guard components are eligible to apply for the fellowship program. So, a lot is asked, but our Foundation fellows are amazing and have risen to that challenge. It gives you the chance to shine. Every one of our leaders understands the challenges.. Both on-site and remote opportunities are available. Social Media Groups And I mean, this is not even an exhaustive list, but you learn how to educate clients in sound financial principles, assist clients in the process of overcoming their financial indebtedness. Shay knows what she's talking about. The $18 rate for the DoD-funded program is the same as the pay received by fellows in the Chamber's spouse program, Chamberlayne said. What is the program like? It is impactful. An official website of the United States Government, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, MySECO, the website of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, Early access to a diverse pool of a highly skilled and educated workforce, Free opportunity to connect directly with military spouses the program is fully subsidized by the Defense Department and is free to employers to participate, Recognition opportunities through promotional activities and social media engagement, Opportunity to bring military spouses who excel in the fellowship on board as a direct hire after the program is completed. There's a uniqueness with your financial feasibility, or your financial stability can often affect negatively your career, and I think that's the uniqueness that maybe civilian families don't understand or aren't able to grasp. I'm excited to be back from parental leave and kicking things off with a great group of women here to discuss their experiences with the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program. The Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot is a paid 12-week fellowship program that provides participating employers with access to a pipeline of highly skilled military spouse talent, who are equipped with education, transferable skills and experience in a variety of roles and industries.. Hiring Our Heroes is a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities.Donate Today. They had gone to a TSP briefing that I had done, and then they met with me afterwards. Kaitlyn Kiernan: Following up 10 years later, definitely as a sign, you had an impact. Some fellows in both programs with SalesForce certifications and experience will instead be paid $25 due to the highly technical nature of that work. The study of human behavior and money, it just really, really flows so well. Heather Baker: There's a uniqueness with your financial feasibility, or your financial stability can often affect negatively your career, and I think that's the uniqueness that maybe civilian families don't understand or aren't able to grasp. And then number four is ethics, so you have to sign and adhere to the AFC Code of Ethics. These programs provide transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers with professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce, expanding corporate America's understanding of the military community and . Spouses accepted into the program are placed with companies that match their locations, work experience and other factors. But all of my background and education and certification came in very handy to do those jobs. Dionna Stokes Manager, Civics. Judy Adank, a United Service Organizations volunteer, uploads food orders on a computer at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 20, 2019. NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. But do it. If you have questions or concerns, there is an entire team and a network. Kaitlyn Kiernan: That's great to hear. When I was doing counseling at Loughlin Air Force Base, it was a big pilot training base. It's important to know that there is an entire support team, so you're not doing this by yourself. 2023 AFCPE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Each week . So this was almost 10 years ago, and within the last year she sent me a note on LinkedIn and told me all about how I set them up for success. We have worked very, very hard to develop our network to support each other. Again, we don't want to contribute to the stigma, but we want to be sensitive to your privacy and that you may not want God and everybody to know that you are struggling. I earned my AFC in 2011, so I'm a 2010 fellow and I currently work for the Association of Military Banks of America. File a complaint about fraud or unfair practices. If you have questions or concerns, there is an entire team and a network. DoD officials are also looking at the many issues spouses have when they move overseas, where employment opportunities are more limited. ", The Russian Defense Ministry referred to the incident as an attempted terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime.". FINRA and its affiliates are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. Heres where to start, US troops in Ukraine can now earn hazard pay, Eyeing the future, DoD leaders reflect on 75 years of desegregation, US to announce $345 million military aid package for Taiwan. Fellows must have a professional resume, not exceeding 2 pages. It really is unmatched. So, what are some of the unique financial challenges facing service members and their families that make it so that having someone familiar with those challenges is a benefit? So, we want to get you back in the groove. Andia Dinesen: Thank you so much for having me here today. I currently live in Killeen, Texas, and that's at Fort Hood. Military spouse Danielle Calabrese poses in a photo with her three children and her husband, Navy Capt. For service members, a missed credit card payment might do more than just ding their credit report, it could also jeopardize a hard-fought promotion. Calabrese and her three children are currently based in Arlington, Virginia, where her husband, Navy Capt. And it's a moment that I reflect on, probably daily. The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program provides qualifying military spouses the opportunity to earn the AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor) certificationwhile providing financial counseling and education to the military community. FINRA Foundation News: Military Spouses Receive Fellowships to Conduct They own their own private practices. So, I work very closely with AFCPE and with the FINRA Foundation. "I know that not only are a number of military spouses unemployed, but there's also a number of them that are underemployed, just because they may be in a location where the skills that they have may not be in demand, so they end up doing something else that they're oftentimes overqualified to do but they don't have much choice.". Military spouses who are accepted into the program will be placed with host companies that match their location and work experience, among other factors. Please check the corresponding audio before quoting in print. This engagement allows fellows the opportunity to make meaningful connections with leaders in the private sector, while also learning from corporate experts in key positions. "I feel like that's what the fellowship does. So, I worked in two different nonprofit agencies where I wasn't providing direct support, but I was running programs. Kaitlyn Kiernan: Great. Current spouses or surviving spouses of a uniform service member. Actually, it was a great lesson because I really did realize how much this meant to me and how much I really, really wanted it. FINRA is a registered trademark of But we did create a plan. The goals of SF 3 are to foster collaboration, focus on improving program engagement, and forward the Spouse Fellows' mission of supporting military members and families. And the list goes on. And then the one final question is what advice would you all give to a military spouse considering this program? And it wasn't easy. Spouses must be enrolled in DEERS. My package didn't come. They then receive professional training and mentoring over the course of 12 weeks. At this time, candidates for our Military Spouse Fellowship program must reside and be seeking work in one of the 50 U.S. states. So that was a really special moment for me, and I hope there's more that I don't know about, but that was one that that really sticks out for me. As her children got older, she said she was ready to go back to work but wasn't sure how to make that happen. Going in, you have this credibility that we all are living the same life together. FINRA and its affiliates are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. HOH Discover the Talent. Society of FINRA Foundation Fellows | Finra Foundation The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program offers military spouses the opportunity to earn a career-enhancing credentialthe Accredited Financial Counselorcertificatewhile providing financial counseling and education to the military community. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, MySECO, the website of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Taking-Care-of-Our-People/. I should actually credit David Sullins as well, Sully, because he actually pushed me again to apply in Laughlin because I was a little sad that I didn't get it. So, we were in this unit where I needed a lot of support. ", "The confidence gained from the program helped me develop my counseling skills and confirmed my career-change decision. City of San Antonio Invests in Military Spouses A fellow who demonstrates progress and proves to be a good fit for their host company will have the opportunity to interview for an open position. Kaitlyn Kiernan: Well, it's also very fitting, you mentioned your dad was a chaplain and chaplains counsel people spiritually, and now you're counseling people financially. But a lot of spouses have the potential, drive and skills that would be great assets to the workforce, and it would be a shame to see them go to waste. In recognition, we're highlighting the Military Spouse Fellowship Program (MSFP), a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes (HOH). The Next Frontier for Warfighters Might Be Implants in Their Brains. "I was able to go online and take a whole bunch of courses on Trailhead through Salesforce Military and get my Salesforce administration certification," Calabrese said. And there was hope. This program helps military spouses find meaningful employment. Kaitlyn Kiernan: We will link to some of those resources in our show notes. Defense officials will launch a program in 2023 to place military spouses into paid fellowship positions with corporations that can keep them employed beyond the next. AFCPE | Certification and Training Scholarships Yeah. Deloitte is a leader in practices that support . Education & Networking. We will link to some of those resources in our show notes. That's such a great point, Shay. Parties may not reproduce these podcasts in any form without the express written consent of FINRA. This video explains the application process, provides clarity regarding eligibility, and answers common questions asked by fellowship applicants. But it is slightly more important or more effective with service members who could then have that as something that doesn't allow them to continue forward in their career. And then from there went on to the Association of Military Banks of America. Kaitlyn Kiernan: And then the one final question is what advice would you all give to a military spouse considering this program? At the conclusion of each week, the Military Spouse Fellowship Program hosts a fellowship huddle featuring senior-level guest speakers. So, to kick things off, can we start with the three of you telling me a bit about yourselves? PDF Military Spouse Resource Guide - Virginia Department of Veterans Services Also eligible are spouses of those currently serving in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And I think that part of the reason for that is that we can create our own career around that. Hiring Our Heroes. Chat with a crisis responder. And before all of that, I worked for the Coast Guard, the Army and Air Force in several family and financial readiness positions, as well as several federal credit unions and retail. AFCPE is a national nonprofit organization and the nationally recognized leader in financial counseling, coaching and education. Military spouses have made it clear that meaningful employment is essential to their quality of life. And so, you have to continue to reach into your savings or use your credit card to pay for these extra expenses with moving every few years. For starters, it was 100% remote, which allowed her to stay flexible around her husband's demanding work schedule and their family commitments. She retired two years ago, and she really saw that in me and gave me a chance, and that's something I'm super proud of. AFCPE FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship, Yellow Ribbon Network/Coordinated Assistance Network. Corporate training takes place Monday through Thursday with a day of mandatory classroom instruction every Friday. Kaitlyn Kiernan: Thanks, Shay. And my dad encouraged me to do that. What struck me was that part of that emotional and mental frailty was exacerbated by some of the financial issues that he was experiencing. Shay Cook: Current spouses or surviving spouses of a uniform service member. Military Spouses Encouraged to Pursue Entrepreneurship with New SBA Placements are determined based on applicants' educational attainment and previous work experience as well as employer needs. Those places also might have a dearth of qualified financial counselors as well, so it kind of fits and fills a gap there in those communities. My current position is that I am the program assistant for this amazing opportunity. Right now, I live in the D.C. metro area, so I'm good to go here. An AFC assists individuals and families in the process of financial decision-making. The funny story was that I had actually PCS'd, and we were going to find out if we got the fellowship by receiving the initial box of textbooks and study guides and things back in the day. Compliance with any recommended conduct presented does not mean that a firm or person has complied with the full extent of their obligations under FINRA rules, the rules of any other SRO or securities laws. And I like, for her to have taken that time to reach back to me and tell me that I had an effect on their lives was really fantastic. And I looked at it and wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to pursue. So, I just applied, and I got in that year. So those kind of expenses that are not covered by the military. The program is the first of its kind for military spouses operated by the Pentagon. Disclaimer: Please note FINRA podcasts are the sole property of FINRA and the information provided is for informational and educational purposes only. And my spouse is still active duty. One day, when she was perusing Facebook, she discovered the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network. Kaitlyn Kiernan: And Shay, how did you hear about the program and decided to apply? About the Military Spouse Initiative. The fellowship afforded her a lot of opportunities. Help us spread the word to military service leaders, colleagues, and peers. What is the weekly schedule and time commitment? Not everybody knows that, but don't give up. Is every fellow offered a job at the end of the program? Shay Cook: Start with the local family center, so whether it's Army Community Service, Airmen and Family Readiness Center, the Fleet and Family Support Center, which is Navy and Marine, I believe. We were stationed in Incirlik Air Force Base at the time in Turkey, and I heard about the program from one of my colleagues when I was working my first federal government job at the Air Force as a work life specialist with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center. The Military Spouse Pathway to Business Program offers classes both in-person and virtually throughout the year. The first cohort of fellows will be placed with their host companies starting in January 2023. The FINRA Foundation's programs for military financial educators enhance the delivery of financial education and counseling to service members and their families, while allowing educators to gain continuing education credit and maintain their credentials. We want to incorporate people from all different lifestyles, and some of those people may have been away from an academic environment. This specific coursework strengthens their professional knowledge, giving fellows an edge in the civilian job market. DoD Launches Paid Fellowship | Military Spouse Let's move forward. I know from my husband and I, as we were traveling with the Air Force, he was smart enough to save because usually we were spending an extra two to three thousand or more for moving expenses, or at least like we were living off base to put out in the first month and then the last month's security deposit and so forth. The spouses in our unit needed a lot of support, and so I was doing a lot of volunteering. Andia Dinesen: We were stationed at Moody Air Force Base and I did a lot of volunteer work. The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program is just one program that is aiming to address both sides. At the end of the fellowship, spouses who excel in the program may be invited to join the host company as a direct hire. And so, I applied and was accepted in the summer of 2007. She's been in this field for a long time, and she has the certifications that really, and there was nobody in the Coast Guard at the time that had an AFC, literally not anybody. All rights reserved. By: Amy Silver O'Leary May 12 was Military Spouse Appreciation Day, part of National Military Appreciation Month. And there are some things I wish I had a magic wand, and I could wave it and fix it, and there are some things that I cannot fix. But we also have those recorded and on demand. Some people take the entire three years and kind of come screaming in the door at the last minute. However, in order to provide flexibility and to accommodate the challenges of the military family lifestyle, AFCPE has adapted the experience requirements for the recipients of the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship. Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education. She worked in IT support and as a business analyst many years ago, but between her first pregnancy and a layoff, she and her husband decided she would stop working for a bit to concentrate on the family. I was accepted into the Foundation's Military Spouse Fellowship program in 2007 and obtained my Accredited Financial Counselor certification in 2008. Heather Baker: Do it. AFCPE is a national nonprofit organization and the nationally recognized leader in financial counseling, coaching and education. Take the next step in your job search or career with these workshops and networking opportunities. While the DoD program and the Hiring Our Heroes fellowships are separate, Chamber officials will use some common staff and processes. Report a concern about FINRA at 888-700-0028, Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE), Financial Industry Networking Directory (FIND). Kaitlyn Kiernan: So, to kick things off, can we start with the three of you telling me a bit about yourselves? Military Spouse Initiative | Deloitte US Careers It might also be the biggest hurdle in their own career growth. I wouldn't be able to do that if I didn't have an AFC. I also in my other life assist active-duty soldiers at Fort Hood, primarily those that are getting ready to deploy or mobilized in a way to make sure that they're financially secure. What is an AFC? So, thanks to Patti Wittenborn, I credit her with giving me the nudge to apply for the fellowship. You have three years to complete the program. Below is a transcript of the episode. Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." Heather Baker: Absolutely. The program is open to all spouses of currently serving members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force, as well as currently serving Guard and Reserve members. Please carefully review the eligibility requirements here. Kaitlyn Kiernan: You're speaking the same language as the people you're working with, because as we can already tell, the military has lots of jargon and acronyms. Hiring Our Heroes News. Kaitlyn Kiernan: Perseverance is always a good message, so I want to learn a little bit more about the AFC accreditation. In January 2023, the Defense Department launched a 12-week paid fellowship program to expand employment opportunities for eligible military spouses in the private sector, and in March 2023 . Shanique Streete Senior Director, Corporate Relations and Strategic Partnerships. Danielle Calabrese, who's been a military spouse for 18 years, is a shining example of how well the program can work. Employers interested in hosting a fellow can apply on the Chamber of Commerce Foundation's website. Watch the Military Spouse Fellowship Program overview: MSFP Overview 2023 - YouTube. And before all of that, I worked for the Coast Guard, the Army and Air Force in several family and financial readiness positions, as well as several federal credit unions and retail. Honestly, I was not really interested with just finishing up my degree and my master's in psychology, and I wanted to go work as a mental health counselor. The program curriculum is designed to equip participants with necessary knowledge and skills for developing business . The Military Spouse Fellowship Program is open to military spouse candidates who meet these education and experience requirements: Fellows must reside within the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. Our Fellows Programs have hundreds of participating companies, including small, medium, and large businesses. What are some of the participating companies? And I said, Well, I'm not, same as you Shay, I'm not sure this is the right fit for me. But our biggest thing is serving our members, which are located on military installations and off the installations serving military and veteran communities. NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. And then number three is experience. And they're both doing excellent now and they're so happy and their finances have always been in order.