Microsoft And Black Veterans For Social Justice Train 5,000 Veterans For Tech Careers

Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, has teamed up with Microsoft to provide tech skills training to over 5,000 veterans preparing to transition into civilian careers. 

The training program, launching in December 2024, is part of Microsoft’s Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African American Communities initiative.

It will help veterans build skills in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and game development.

Addressing the Skills Gap for Veterans in Tech

Microsoft’s collaboration with BVSJ addresses a key gap for veterans seeking stable, well-paying roles in tech—a sector known for its growing demand for skilled talent. 

The program offers a combination of foundational and advanced courses, tailored to accommodate veterans’ varying experience levels and interests. 

“Our veterans are vital to our workforce,” said Darrell Booker, Corporate Affairs Specialist at Microsoft.

“We’re excited to support their upskilling through training that prepares them for dynamic careers in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering.”

Bi-weekly virtual training sessions will offer veterans the flexibility they need, and BVSJ will conduct surveys to align training topics with veterans’ specific career goals. 

Pathway to Advanced Training Opportunities

Beyond the initial training, BVSJ and Microsoft will provide veterans the opportunity to apply for Microsoft’s Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), an advanced program focused on preparing veterans for specialized tech roles. 

Applications for the MSSA program open on February 17, 2025, with classes running from July through October 2025. 

This advanced track allows veterans who complete the initial training to continue growing their skills and advance toward specialized tech positions.

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