MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Almost 200 U.S. military spouses, throughout the world, have recently been accepted into a special program that will give them skills for a new career that can help service members and their families get financially stable.
One Camp Pendleton spouse, Easter Christopher, is one of six military spouses in the San Diego area that have been accepted to the 2010 Military Spouse Fellowship; a partnership between the National Military Family Association and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planned Education.
The fellowship is similar to a college scholarship or a grant that gives spouses the training they need to earn the Accredited Financial Counselor designation, said George Smaragdis, a spokesperson for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. These credits give them marketable job skills and provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to help military families overcome financial challenges.
“The program really benefits spouses because of the job portability,” said Christopher, Navy spouse. “Financial counseling is always in demand, and it benefits the military because spouses can assist service members.”
The Military Spouse Fellowship consists of two classes, personal finance and financial counseling. Each class is self-paced, with tests at the end of each course. Christopher expects to complete the coursework in 18 weeks. Also, depending the recipient’s experience, they will also need to do anywhere from 400 to 1,000 hours of financial-related practicum, ideally in a military environment.
“For as much as military families move, an opportunity like this is invaluable,” said Christopher. “Finding a job at your next duty station isn’t hard, but finding a solid career is very challenging. This program makes it easier to continue in your career as soon as you get to the next base.”
The National Military Family Association assists in the selection of candidates for the fellowship and they are looking at a variety of things, said Smaragdis. “Education, work history, and personal background are all things that are taken into account.”
Since the program’s debut in 2006, there are already nearly 800 spouse counselors. The program pays for up to two attempts for spouses to complete the course. The Military Spouse Fellowship is closed for 2010 applications, but is slated to re-open in March 2011 until April.
“I encourage all military spouses who are looking for more than just a job to apply,” said Christopher. “I am so pleased an appreciative that a civilian organization is giving back to military families.”
For more information about the Military Spouse Fellowship, visit www.militaryfamily.org.