How the Corvias Foundation Helps Military Spouses Advance Their Careers

Military spouses face unique challenges when it comes to building and maintaining a career. Constant relocations and deployments often make it difficult to hold a steady job, much less pursue long-term professional goals. For many, each move means rebuilding networks, securing new employment, and in some cases, paying for new professional licenses or certifications required in a different state.

The Corvias Foundation understands these struggles and is working to make a difference in the lives of military families. Founded in 2006, the foundation is dedicated to increasing educational and professional opportunities for these families serving our country. They partner with trusted organizations and offer scholarships and other benefits for military spouses and children.

Career Challenges Faced by Military Spouses

For military spouses, building a career can be difficult due to unexpected setbacks and changing circumstances. One of the biggest challenges is the constant moving that comes with military life. Many families are asked to relocate to new duty stations every few years, sometimes across the country or even overseas. Each move can disrupt a spouse’s job and make it difficult to stay on a steady career path.

Many military spouses work in fields that require state licenses or certifications, such as teaching, healthcare, law, social work, and cosmetology.  These credentials don’t always transfer from one state to another. As a result, spouses are often forced to reapply and pay for new licenses or complete other steps, just to continue doing the same work in a new place. According to the Corvias Foundation and the National Military Family Association, about one in three employed military spouses works in a profession that requires these kinds of credentials.

Military spouses also face job instability and fewer opportunities to advance their careers. Employers may be reluctant to hire someone who could be moving again soon. Others may not fully understand the demands that come with military life, such as caring for children alone during deployments.

Despite all this, military spouses remain committed to their goals and their families. But the obstacles they face can lead to stress and financial difficulties. That’s why the work of the Corvias Foundation is so important.

The Corvias Foundation’s Missions and Initiatives

Since its founding in 2006, the Corvias Foundation has strived to improve the lives of military families by expanding access to education and career opportunities. The foundation believes that when military families are supported, service members are better able to focus on their duties, and communities become stronger.

Three Pillars

The foundation’s mission is based on three core pillars: Community Connect, Resource Development, and Thought Leadership.

Community Connect – The Corvias Foundation believes in being an active part of the military community. They spend time talking with military families, listening to what they’re going through, and learning what kind of help would make the biggest difference. The foundation also works to build greater public awareness of the unique needs of military families, especially with respect to education.

Resource Development – This pillar is about providing useful resources for military families. This includes scholarships, help with educational planning, college advice and guidance, and other education/career opportunities. These initiatives can be major difference-makers for families, especially spouses trying to hold onto their careers while moving every few years.

Thought Leadership – The foundation also looks at the bigger picture. They want to change not just individual lives but also solve broader challenges with education that families in the military face. They share what they learn and work with other organizations to push for broader changes that could benefit countless military families over time.

Opportunity Hubs

The foundation is currently working to build what it calls Opportunity Hubs to pool resources and connect military families with education and career services, like tutoring, college prep, career advice, and more. Where there are unmet needs, the foundation will launch new programs to fulfill them. These Opportunity Hubs will allow military families to connect with people who understand their experience and want to help them move forward.

Ongoing Partnership with the National Military Family Association

In 2024, the Corvias Foundation teamed up with the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to help 24 military spouses who were trying to get their careers back on track after frequent moves, deployments, and other challenges.  

Together, the two organizations offered Licensure and Certification scholarships totaling $21,250, helping to cover expenses like licensing fees, continuing education classes, memberships in professional organizations, and other related costs that were making it difficult for military spouses to advance their careers.

The NMFA has long been an advocate for military families, making it a natural partner for the Corvias Foundation. Together, they can reach more spouses and offer more support that addresses the hurdles these families face. In total, since the establishment of the scholarship program, more than $140,000 in funding has been awarded to 172 military spouses.

This partnership is a great example of what’s possible when organizations that serve military families work together with purpose.