ACT Now Education Podcast

2 August 2025 Weekly Rundown: Resources You're Sleeping On: The Untapped Power of MWR Digital Library

We explore the MWR Digital Library, a vastly underutilized free resource for military members, veterans, and families that provides access to thousands of dollars worth of premium content and services. • MWR Digital Library offers free access to genealogy resources including Ancestry.com and Fold for researching family military records • Extensive collection of eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines including Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, and The Economist • Tutors.com provides free live tutoring for children and adults across subjects from elementary to college level • O'Reilly Media platform offers comprehensive certification preparation for tech certifications including practice labs and exams • Available to active duty, reserves, National Guard, retired military, medal of honor recipients, and eligible family members • Mango Languages platform provides access to over 70 different languages at no cost • Multiple certification opportunities coming soon including AI compliance certification program and CSM certification • Career Compass tool helps with job searching and creating AI-powered resumes • AWS is actively hiring veterans and military spouses for data center positions with security clearance opportunities • Mill Mentor platform connects military community members with experienced mentors across various professional fields For more resources like the ones discussed today, join our newsletter at ActNowEducation.org where we regularly share free certification opportunities and career advancement tools.

19 July 2025 Weekly Rundown: Combat Boots to Coding- Finding Your Path After Service

Veterans and military community members have access to over 40,000 free resources and opportunities, but most don't realize what's available. Act Now Education, a volunteer-run military support organization, connects service members, veterans, and military families with these resources to support career transitions and professional development. • Career Compass platform provides AI resume building, job tracking, and LinkedIn optimization at no cost to military community members • Service to Success cohort helps military members get unstuck in their career journeys with a 7-week program culminating in a hiring fair • Using AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM can help translate military experience to civilian job requirements • Organizations like PerScholas, Empower, and VetsinTech offer free certification programs including CompTIA, AWS, and PMP • Educational resources include free CLEP exam funding for military dependents through Modern Middle States • Mill Mentor platform connects military community with approximately 1,200 mentors across various industries • Experience often trumps certifications in tech careers – consider starting with entry-level positions to build hands-on skills • Career transition resources include free interview prep through Canterful for practicing before real interviews • Entrepreneurial programs like Dog Tag, Bunker Labs, and various SBA initiatives support veteran business owners To access Career Compass: Visit ActNow Education website, click Career Compass, enter the weekly code, and complete application.

12 July 2025 Weekly Rundown: Would Someone in Bandages Still Show Up to Serve Others?

Jai Salters returns to host despite suffering serious injuries in an ATV accident, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to supporting the military community with free resources and opportunities. • Act Now Education has provided 535 certifications and certificates through their recent summit • VertForce offers a private job board with vetted remote positions specifically for military spouses and veterans • Vets in Tech provides free certification opportunities including PMP, Python, AI/ML, and AWS courses • Empower organization focuses on helping people break into tech with training, certifications, and job placement services • Career Compass platform offers resume building tools, job tracking, access to 19 million job listings, and career resources • Free Coursera access through Vets Transition Support provides over 12,000 courses with potential college credits • $40,000 entrepreneurship contest available for veteran-owned businesses with non-diluting funds • Summit attendees shared success stories including job interviews and career transitions after long breaks • VA disability benefits may be available to veterans who are unaware of eligibility If you're interested in any of these opportunities, join our weekly calls on Saturdays, check out actnoweducation.org, and connect with our team on LinkedIn for personalized guidance.

5 July 2025 Weekly Rundown: Career Opportunities for Military Members and Spouses

ANE Founder and CEO Jai Salters and the Act Now Education team share a comprehensive overview of free resources available to the military community, highlighting their Career Compass platform, certification giveaways, and upcoming events. Their volunteer-run organization focuses on helping service members, veterans, and military spouses access valuable career resources without any cost or obligation. • 500+ certifications being given away to military community members who attended the recent summit • Career Compass platform offers AI-powered resume tools, LinkedIn optimization, and access to 12 million+ job listings • Upcoming virtual hiring fair on August 29th featuring companies actively seeking to hire military-affiliated candidates • Service to Success cohort provides six weeks of career guidance covering resume writing, personal branding, and job search strategies  • Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta from September 21-24 with tickets covered by Act Now Education • Free certification opportunities available for Scrum Master, Product Owner, and other professional credentials • Resources include free LinkedIn Premium for military community members and access to free Coursera certifications • All services provided by volunteers with no cost to participants and no expectation of anything in return • Special scholarship opportunity coming for veterans interested in teaching careers Visit actnowednucation.org to apply for Career Compass and connect with Jai Salters on LinkedIn to learn about upcoming opportunities and certification programs.

7 June 2025 Weekly Rundown: The career compass is waiting for you to use it.

Military transition brings both excitement and anxiety, requiring preparation in networking, skill development, and financial planning to navigate successfully. • Career Compass platform offers resume optimization, job tracking, and LinkedIn enhancements that directly lead to employment opportunities • Overcoming decision paralysis requires mentors who can guide you through civilian career paths and options • Military spouses can find remote work through Vertforce's vetted job board featuring location-flexible positions • Understanding financial opportunities through upcoming Financial Summit (June 28) covering VA loans, estate planning, and wealth building • DMV area transitioning service members can apply for SkillBridge data center training program by June 21 • LinkedIn profiles need clear career focus with professional photos and specific job targets clearly stated • Building and maintaining an active network before you need it ensures opportunities when you transition • Career preparation should start at least a year before separation to avoid panic or rushed decisions Remember to use all available resources and don't let pride prevent you from seeking guidance during your transition journey.