American Corporate Partners (ACP), a national nonprofit dedicated to honoring our nation’s heroes by combating the underemployment of the military-connected community, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, through its robust veteran support network, today announced a joint initiative to offer 1,000 year-long, one-on-one mentorships to Virginia’s post-9/11 Veterans and Active-Duty Military Spouses.
This significant commitment underscores both organizations' shared goal of leveraging mentor knowledge, experience and wisdom and combating underemployment by connecting service members transitioning out of the military with experienced corporate professionals. The new mentorship pipeline will be integrated directly with Virginia’s existing veteran support infrastructure, including the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, ensuring that service members transitioning within the Commonwealth have immediate access to personalized career navigation.
Governor Youngkin announced this key commitment and partnership before the annual Virginia Chamber’s Executive Forum late last month. This program is the latest, and among the most impactful initiatives to make Virginia the best state for veterans and military spouses to successfully transition.
“Before performing a military operation, the first thing any unit does is gather as much intelligence about the mission as possible. While veteran and military spouse job seekers may not have an intelligence network, through the ACP mentorship initiative they can seek the advice of people who have accomplished success in a vast array of market sectors and ultimately create their own unique support network. By doing so they will find increased success in their careers and will have the tools to obtain the American dream they defended,” stated Chuck Zingler, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
“This partnership is a powerful testament to Virginia's profound commitment to its military families, demonstrating what true support looks like and elevating the dignity and future of those who served. By dedicating 1,000 mentorships to Virginia's Veterans and Military Spouses, we are not just helping them find a job; we are guiding them to their next high-value mission,” stated Sidney Goodfriend, Founder and Chairman of ACP.
Program Details
The complimentary, year-long mentorships will focus on key career development areas, including:
- Resume review and interview preparation.
- Networking strategies for civilian sectors.
- Translating military skills into corporate competencies.
- Career advancement and work-life balance.
About American Corporate Partners (ACP)
American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between the military and civilian sectors, connecting experienced professionals with Veterans and Active-Duty Spouses seeking successful civilian careers. Through a tailored one-on-one mentorship, as well as strategic networking opportunities and robust online resources, ACP combats underemployment and empowers individuals to achieve their full career potential.
About Virginia Values Veterans (V3)
The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, under the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), is a free training and certification program for employers. Its mission is to develop and implement successful, long-term strategies to recruit, hire, train, and retain Virginia’s Veterans and Military Spouses, helping to keep this skilled talent pool in the Commonwealth.
About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral health, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, dementia/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.