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Texas veterans receive free IT training and job placement assistance at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

San Antonio, TX  (May 23, 2016)--As the military downsizes, 20 veterans planning to transition are now better prepared to enter the civilian workforce following a free, specialized national training opportunity provided by IBM and Corporate America Supports You (CASY), a national non-profit that helps veterans find employment. The training is part of a new veterans initiative launched by IBM and CASY to help local veterans translate their military experience into high-skilled jobs. The new Veteran Employment Accelerator Grant program will provide returning service members with hands-on training, certification, and job placement assistance in the fast-growing tech sector. More than 200 veterans around the nation will participate in this program this year.

 “As a United States Army Airborne Infantry veteran, I had the privilege of serving our country for more than 13 years. I know firsthand the courage, integrity and intellectual power of the brave men and women of the United States military, said Jason E. Kelley, IBM Vice President and Partner of Global Business Services, Solutions, Design and Innovation. “As a proud veteran and IBM representative, I am honored to serve as a board member for the CASY & MSCCN organization. Throughout my career - both in the military and in the private sector -- I've experienced deep satisfaction finding and developing solid leaders. I look forward to continuing to do this in partnership with CASY & MSCCN as together we seek to expand professional opportunities for our nation's veterans, and bring their exceptional talent and leadership capabilities to the private sector 

The week-long training and certification course focuses on data analytics software called i2 Analyst’s Notebook. More than 300 veterans around the nation will participate in this program this year. “As a Military Embracing University, A&M-San Antonio takes great pride in hosting this event. We are always looking for ways to support veterans in their transition from military to civilian life, said Richard Delgado Jr., Director of Military Affairs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.”

“Our veterans who fought bravely for our country are highly skilled, but need help translating their military skills to civilian careers,” said Diane Melley, IBM Vice President of Global Citizenship Initiatives. “This new program will equip our courageous men and women with the training, credentials, and job assistance they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.” "IBM's commitment to helping veterans transition to civilian life will help combat unemployment in the military community,” said Erin Voirol, Chief Operating Officer of CASY and the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network. "Veterans receive training directly linked to in-demand, skilled jobs. This program supports CASY's mission, in partnership with the Texas A&M University-San Antonio and IBM, to ensure our returning soldiers are career ready."

“During my time in the CIA, I served alongside brave men and women in uniform, who sacrificed so much for our freedom, said Congressman Will Hurd. “We must do more for those who have served our country to be better prepared for meaningful jobs when they leave the military. This is an excellent example of the public and private sectors working together to provide solutions, and I commend IBM, CASY and Texas A&M University-San Antonio for stepping up to better prepare our veterans for the transition to high-quality civilian careers.”

The veterans program is part of IBM’s philanthropic Impact Grants that arm non-profits, government and education institutions with effective tools, skills, and expertise to strengthen their infrastructure, build leadership, and better serve their communities.

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

With a nearly 700-acre Main Campus to expand into, the military-embracing university recently announced its expansion to welcome freshman and sophomore applicants to enroll in Fall 2016.  Currently enrolling nearly 4,600 students, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available for the lowest university tuition in the San Antonio region for a variety of in-demand fields, including teacher preparation, business, information technology, and cyber security. Texas A&M-San Antonio has a variety of scholarships available to assist students as they select their college or university. The University's mission is to prepare and empower students to be innovative and contributing members of a global society. To learn more, visit www.tamusa.edu