Project Next S.T.E.P. (Service Member Transition Education)

Project Next S.T.E.P. (Service Member Transition Education Program) was developed in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton and the Safeway Foundation and offers a variety of career education programs designed to prepare transitioning service members for in-demand civilian certification tests. Students in these courses will learn new skills that will complement their leadership skills while preparing them for competitive post-military employment.

Programs vary in length from five to twelve weeks, and are currently held at the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir during evening and weekend hours. All events and course certification programs are open to active duty and wounded, ill and injured service members who are transitioning out of military service within 12 months, as well as their spouses.

Career education programs include:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is designed for entry-level network engineers. CCNA teaches skills such as installing, configuring, operating and trouble-shooting routed and switched networks. Instruction for this program is provided by Veterans Institute of Training and Technology, Inc.

Project Management Professional (PMP) is designed for those with prior management experience. This will prepare attendees for the PMP certification exam; validating competence in the ability to lead and manage projects and teams. Instruction for this program is also provided by Veterans Institute of Training and Technology.

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) is designed for those interested in a career in cyber security. CISSP is a comprehensive course teaching information systems security.

Please contact Maura Gondek, Program Specialist, Project Next S.T.E.P., at mgondek@usometro.org or 571-267-2086 for more information.