Empowering Transitions: How Act Now Education is Transforming Veteran Success
Navigating the path from military service to civilian life can be a complex and daunting process. Thankfully, organizations like Act Now Education are creating structured, supportive pathways for service members, veterans, and military spouses. On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, host Shawn Welsh and cohost Dr. Hira sit down with Jai Salters, the visionary behind Act Now Education, to explore how this powerful nonprofit is changing lives through mentorship, certifications, and career preparation.
The Birth of a Mission
Jai SaltersAct Now Education was born out of Jai Salters' passion to give back to the military community. With a military background as a Navy Chief Petty Officer and later a cryptologic warfare officer, Jai understood firsthand the challenges faced during transition. What began as a simple resource-sharing effort has now grown into a comprehensive nonprofit with more than 77,000 members. Its mission: to empower service members and their families through education, opportunity, and connection.
From Sharing to Serving
Initially, Act Now Education was just a platform to disseminate information about existing resources. With more than 40,000 programs and benefits available to veterans, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Jai and his team saw an opportunity to make this process easier. They began by guiding users to the right programs—but soon, they realized they could do more.
Over time, Act Now Education evolved into a full-scale service provider. Today, it offers access to free certifications, college courses, career development resources, laptops, and even direct job placement. This expansion reflects a critical understanding of the transition journey: information is helpful, but guided support is transformative.
Weekly Rundown: A Gateway to Growth
One of the most powerful engagement tools is the Weekly Rundown. Held every Saturday at 1 PM, this session serves as a hub for information, updates, and live Q&A with the team. With 200-500 participants joining weekly, it's a testament to the community's need and trust in the organization.
The rundown provides clarity on everything from certification paths to employment strategies. More importantly, it helps individuals identify their goals before committing to a specific direction. Jai emphasizes the importance of understanding one's desired career trajectory: "No one gets in a car without a destination."
Certification Programs That Matter
One of the standout offerings from Act Now Education is the Three-Cert Cohort. This nine-week, full-time program provides participants with training in PMP (Project Management Professional), Security+, and Scrum methodologies. Beyond technical instruction, participants also receive:
Business suits
Personalized resume support
Job interview coaching
Mentorship
Access to exclusive hiring fairs
By combining certifications with real-world preparation, Act Now Education ensures that its members are not only qualified but also confident and competitive in the job market.
Enter MilMentor: Closing the Mentorship Gap
With the unfortunate sunsetting of Veterati, a beloved mentorship platform, Jai saw a need to continue that legacy. In response, he co-created MilMentor, a mentorship platform designed to connect military-affiliated individuals with experienced professionals in various industries.
What sets MilMentor apart is its simplicity and accessibility. There is no cost, no barrier to entry, and no catch. Users can reach out directly to mentors for one-on-one video or phone calls. Already, the platform boasts over 600 mentors and is growing steadily. It's a digital bridge between curiosity and clarity, helping individuals make informed decisions about their futures.
Service to Success: From Certification to Career
Act Now Education's latest initiative, Service to Success, tackles one of the biggest challenges in transition: employment. While certifications provide the skills, Service to Success connects the dots between education and workforce integration. The program features:
Virtual and in-person hiring fairs
Employer partnerships
Tailored job-matching support
Access for military members, spouses, and recently displaced federal employees
The results speak for themselves. At a recent fair, expected to host 100 attendees, more than 500 people showed up. The response was overwhelming, proving the need for well-structured hiring events.
Adapting to Meet Demand
A key theme in Jai Salters' leadership is responsiveness. Act Now Education adapts based on feedback, demand, and the evolving landscape of veteran needs. For example, when a partner organization canceled a hiring fair at the last minute, Jai and his team organized their own—despite never having done one before. The success of that event led to the launch of Service to Success.
Similarly, by listening to feedback from its community, Act Now Education is expanding its initiatives to support not just traditional job seekers but also federal employees and other underserved groups. This flexibility ensures the nonprofit remains relevant and impactful.
The Power of Networking and Community
Dr. Hira highlighted how the Act Now ecosystem encourages career exploration without pressure. Veterans unsure of their path can connect with others, test different learning formats, and gain confidence before committing to formal education or a new career.
This approach fosters informed decision-making, reduces transition stress, and builds a sense of community. It's not just about getting a job—it's about building a life after service.
Looking Ahead: The Hire Summit
Jai shared his plans to scale the impact even further with the Hire Summit, a large-scale event designed to bring together thousands of job seekers and employers. The goal is to provide real opportunities in an efficient, easy-to-navigate format. With dedicated sections for resources, employer engagement, and on-site application stations, this summit promises to be a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
Act Now Education is more than a nonprofit—it's a lifeline. From education and mentorship to direct employment support, it provides comprehensive assistance at every step of the transition journey. As Jai continues to expand the organization’s reach, it remains rooted in one powerful principle: veterans helping veterans.
For those navigating their post-military lives, Act Now Education stands as a beacon of clarity, opportunity, and community. If you're ready to make your next move, don’t do it alone. Tap into the resources, connect with mentors, and let Act Now Education guide your path to success.
