Divergence Academy: Empowering Veterans for Tech Careers in the Age of AI and Automation
Transitioning from military service into the civilian workforce can feel like navigating uncharted waters. Veterans often face uncertainty, lack of direction, and difficulty translating military skills into corporate opportunities. But one institution is changing that narrative by offering a clear, tech-focused path forward.
Founded by tech industry veteran Sravan, Divergence Academy is a forward-thinking, VA-
Sravan Ankarajuapproved educational institution designed to help veterans and transitioning service members step into high-demand careers in cybersecurity, data science, cloud engineering, and intelligent automation. More than just another bootcamp, it is a mission-driven hub for innovation, education, and real-world success.
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, Sravan joins the podcast to share his journey and vision for veteran education—and how this school is leading the charge into a future fueled by AI and automation.
From Microsoft to Military-Focused Education
Before launching Divergence Academy, Sravan worked at Microsoft for over 14 years as a software engineer. After being laid off in 2014, he used his severance not just to get by—but to build something bigger. That “something” became Divergence Academy, officially founded in 2015.
“I just wanted to do consulting,” Sravan explained. “But after sharing my ideas with other professionals, people kept telling me, ‘You should start a school.’” That advice turned out to be life-changing, not only for Sravan, but for the more than 2,000 students who have since graduated—over 75% of whom are military-connected.
As this educational institution approaches its 10-year anniversary, the impact of Sravan’s decision is clear. The school has become a trusted name in veteran career transition, offering accelerated, accessible training that prepares students for jobs in some of the fastest-growing fields in tech.
What Makes Divergence Academy Different?
Unlike traditional universities or even many online certificate programs, Divergence Academy is laser-focused on career outcomes and workforce readiness. The academy’s standard programs are designed to be immersive, intensive, and highly relevant to the modern job market.
Core Programs Offered:
Cybersecurity
Cloud Engineering
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
Data Science & Intelligent Automation
These programs are built around real-world skills and scenarios, not just theory. Students are trained to tackle the kinds of challenges they’ll face in their first roles post-training. Each course runs 9 weeks full-time, with live instruction and 36-hour weekly schedules for maximum engagement and retention.
Sravan emphasized that cybersecurity is the ideal starting point for most students, providing foundational knowledge in networking and digital defense. From there, learners can branch into cloud engineering, automation, and AI-related paths—all while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that translate across industries.
Innovation at the Heart of Divergence Academy
In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, Divergence Academy stays ahead of the curve through ongoing research and innovation. That mission is embodied by the Euler Center, the school’s R&D and innovation hub.
At the Euler Center, Divergence Academy offers hands-on workshops in emerging areas like:
Drone forensics and supply chain dissection
AI integration and prompt engineering
GRC simulations for CMMC readiness
This innovation-first mindset ensures that students aren’t just job-ready—they’re future-ready.
“Since ChatGPT launched, the landscape has changed,” Sravan said. “Now we need to teach people not just how to do the job, but how to work alongside AI tools and leverage them effectively.”
By incorporating AI and automation into every curriculum, this educational institution prepares students for a tech-driven future while keeping human reasoning, creativity, and adaptability at the core.
Flexible, Veteran-Centric Learning Paths
What sets this school apart is how well it understands the veteran experience. Many transitioning service members are juggling multiple jobs, family responsibilities, or limited time to devote to training.
To meet them where they are, it recently launched VA-approved Certification Prep Courses. These shorter, more flexible options allow veterans to pursue training on evenings and weekends, helping them develop key skills even if they can't commit to a full-time program.
With options to progress incrementally—building one credential at a time—it empowers students to customize their learning experience based on their bandwidth and goals.
CMMC Certification and DoD Workforce Readiness
For veterans interested in working with Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is non-negotiable. Fortunately, it is one of the few institutions offering in-depth training and workshops in Governance, Risk, and Compliance, including preparation for CMMC levels and professional roles in defense industrial base (DIB) organizations.
“There’s a lot more to it than just passing an exam,” Sravan shared. “It can take up to six months after passing to get Tier 3 determination, which is required for classified DoD projects.”
By helping veterans navigate both the certification process and the compliance journey, the institution acts as both an educator and a career partner.
Connecting Veterans Through Trusted Channels
Many veterans find Divergence Academy through va.gov, the Vet Tec Program, or referrals from others who have successfully transitioned. The academy also runs weekly Wednesday Webinars, uses social media outreach, and partners with veteran-focused platforms like VET S.O.S. to spread awareness.
Additionally, Sravan and his team have contributed directly to Congressional testimony on the challenges veterans face in career training—highlighting this schools role not just as a school, but as an advocate for systemic improvement.
Why Divergence Academy Matters Now More Than Ever
Co-host Dr. Herrera summed it up perfectly during the podcast episode:
“Veterans don’t always have time to be a traditional college student. Divergence Academy gives them a fast, practical, and effective alternative.”
In today’s job market, speed-to-skill and real-world applicability are more important than ever. With automation, AI, and cloud services redefining how we work, this school ensures that its graduates are not only employable, but indispensable.
As Sravan put it, “There’s too much information and not enough time. Veterans need focused, high-quality education that meets them where they are and leads them where they want to go.”
Ready to Transition with Confidence?
If you're a veteran, transitioning service member, or military spouse looking to break into cybersecurity, AI, cloud tech, or compliance, Divergence Academy could be your launchpad to success.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
📲 Connect with VET S.O.S. on social media:
YouTube: @vetsospodcast
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X (Twitter): @vetsospodcast
Divergence Academy isn’t just teaching tech—it’s building futures. If you're ready to transition with purpose, confidence, and cutting-edge skills, this might be your next mission.
