Weber State University is partnering with Hill Air Force Base and Catalyst Campus to offer the Rosie Project, a tuition-free information technology program aimed at getting military spouses plugged into jobs within the Department of Defense.
For spouses of active duty members, it’s sometimes difficult to find employment due to frequent location changes. The partnership between WSU and Hill AFB will increase employment opportunities by teaching skills needed by the DOD.
The series is designed to certify students in various IT practices and teach communication and problem-solving skills. Once completed, participants will be eligible to apply and interview for full-time employment at Hill Air Force Base and become eligible for jobs at other military bases.
“We’re going to invest in these people so they can have meaningful employment at every stage of their spouse’s military service,” said Aniza Brown, executive director of Catalyst Campus, Ogden. “We’re removing barriers for military spouses and building a program that enables them to propel their career.”
The program, which will be taught by WSU School of Computing faculty, will welcome the first cohort of 20 students on Feb. 28. The second cohort will start in September.
Tuition and childcare will be covered entirely for students enrolled in the program, and to further kickstart their IT career, participants will be mentored by the 309th Software Engineering Group at Hill AFB and have the opportunity to shadow them.
“Military spouses are a powerful force for good,” said Beth Rhoades, executive director of programs for WSU’s Division of Online and Continuing Education. “The Rosie Project transfers those superpowers into meaningful careers that also support the mission and service of the armed forces. This is the beginning of a long career supporting the warfighter.”
Applications for the spring and fall cohorts are open. Those interested can review the program qualifications and find more information on the Rosie Project website.
