Empire State University and TAVS USA Launch Skilling Partnership for Veterans and First Responders
Empire State University and TAVS USA have launched a strategic partnership designed to connect veterans, former first responders, and their families with telecommunications training and employment. Through collaborations among employer partners, TAVS USA and SUNY Empire learners will gain current, relevant skills that keep pace with rapidly-evolving industry needs, while the partnership contributes to overall economic goals such as broadband access and digital connectivity.
TAVS USA builds career pathways in high-growth industries, providing skills, connections, and support through four pillars: training, access, verification, and support (TAVS). Their goal is to help 100,000 veterans, former first responders, and their families find their future in a growth industry.
Empire State University’s Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) is strategically positioned to support this group of learners and is a vital anchor for the partnership with TAVS USA. The VMRC provides military-affiliated learners with dedicated support that recognizes the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges of veterans, service members, and families through tailored advising, resource navigation, and a strong sense of community.
“Our exciting new partnership with TAVS USA reflects a shared commitment to meeting veterans and first responders where they are, honoring their experiences while helping them take the next step in their journey,” said Anne Sweet, interim director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center at SUNY Empire. “By connecting flexible, credit-bearing education with meaningful workforce opportunities, we’re creating pathways that support their individual growth while strengthening the communities and industries they serve.”
Through credit for prior learning, credit awarded for military service, courses aligned with related technical instruction in registered apprenticeships, and professional development course opportunities, learners have a defined pathway to continue their business and sales education with SUNY Empire.
The partnership is further strengthened by TAVS USA co-founder Martin Driffill’s connection to Empire State University as a 2013 alumnus. Driffill’s work reflects the university’s longstanding mission to provide flexible, accessible education that builds on real-world experience and supports adult and military-affiliated learners.
“Thousands of volunteer hours transformed an ambitious aspiration on a shoestring budget into an effective ecosystem of academia, industry, and military transition partnerships,” said Driffill. “The students we have worked with leaned in, pushed our learning curve, and proved they could perform in uncertainty.”