Award supports workforce development for military veterans
HOUSTON, TX (May 10, 2024)—NextOp, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, developing and placing high-performing enlisted veterans into careers after their military service, is one of 23 recipients of grants from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Through its Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP), the DRA directs Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt particularly hard hit by industrial downsizing, business closures and job losses.
The $450,000 grant received by NextOp is being used to expand its workforce training and education programs in the Memphis area. The DRA also supports NextOp’s workforce development operations in Louisiana and Mississippi.
“This grant provides a tremendous boost to the NextOp growth strategy and focuses our program on Developing Equitable Talent Pipeline for Economically Disadvantaged Veterans in the Memphis metro area,” says NextOp Executive Director Shelby Mounts. “Our proven recruitment and training-to-career pipeline program seeks to place veterans with careers in healthcare, construction and distribution industries.”
Some 46,000 enlisted working-age military and veteran workers live in the Memphis area, and approximately 1,600 more service members transition to Tennessee each year.
“In the same manner that they devoted their lives to serving our nation, it is imperative that we commit to providing the best training services to our veterans to support their transition and advancement post-military service,” said Ted Townsend, president & CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber. “We look forward to collaborating with NextOp to provide our veterans with avenues for professional development while offering our employers a dedicated workforce.”
NextOp’s goal is to place 1,000 veterans into careers with employers in west Tennessee over the next five years. Through its training-to-career pipeline program currently in place in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, NextOp placed 667 veterans and transitioning service members in 2023 with an average starting salary of $66,000. Last year proved to be the nonprofit’s most successful year since its founding in 2014.
“Last year was a pivotal year for our organization,” adds Mounts. “We not only exceeded the previous annual record of veterans served, but we also cut down the average number of days to place a candidate into a job from 42 to 37. With the DWP grant, as well as other grants we’ve received, we are growing our geography served in a sustainable way, enabling us to assist a greater number of talented veterans with career opportunities.”
Through one-on-one mentorship and other wrap-around support, NextOp helps veterans and transitioning service members translate their skills to civilian industries, and access training when needed. The successful workforce development model allows veterans to leverage their military training and experiences into valuable qualifications for a civilian workforce.
Only about 25% of transitioning service members have a new job secured before leaving the military. NextOp actively works with company recruiters and corporate leadership to ensure that the translation of military skills to civilian experience is not a barrier for veterans when being considered for the workforce.
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About NextOp
NextOp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to recruit, develop and place high-performing enlisted veterans into industry careers. NextOp’s goal is to bridge the gap between the military and industries in need of diverse and skilled talent. For more information, visit https://nextopvets.org/
