In a significant commitment to supporting America’s veterans, Google has announced a collaboration with the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition (MCVC) in Clarksville, contributing $12,500 to combat veteran unemployment in the region. This investment approach is to address the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers.
Addressing critical need
Clarksville-Montgomery County, home to Fort Campbell and one of Tennessee’s largest veteran populations, faces transitioning challenges as service members move to civilian life. The Google commitment through MCVC creates a multi-faceted program designed to remove barriers and create direct pathways to meaningful employment for local veterans.
“This collaboration recognizes that successful veteran employment requires more than just job placement; it demands a holistic approach that addresses skills translation, employer engagement and ongoing professional development,” said Angie Kozlovski, Google Data Centers public affairs manager.
Four-pillar approach to veteran success
The $12,500 investment targets four key areas that research has identified as critical to veteran employment success:
Job readiness and skills translation: The largest portion of funding supports comprehensive job readiness workshops specifically designed for veterans. These sessions focus on the often-challenging task of translating military experience into civilian job qualifications. Veterans will receive personalized resume-building assistance, interview coaching, and LinkedIn optimization training. This component recognizes that many veterans possess exceptional skills and leadership experience but may struggle to communicate their value in civilian terms.
Direct employer connections: MCVC will use these funds to create meaningful connections between veterans and local employers who understand and value military experience. The program includes hosting veteran-focused hiring events and networking sessions that go beyond traditional job fairs. By covering venue costs, marketing, and targeted outreach efforts, this initiative ensures that qualified veterans meet face-to-face with employers actively seeking their unique skill sets.
Professional development support: Recognizing that some veterans need additional certifications or training to compete in specific civilian sectors, MCVC will establish a microgrant program. These grants help cover costs for professional certifications, licensing fees, and short-term training programs in high-demand fields such as logistics, healthcare and information technology – sectors where veteran skills often translate directly but may require specific civilian credentials.
Program sustainability and support: To ensure long-term success, funding supports essential program administration including staff coordination, participant tracking, and individualized guidance. This investment in infrastructure ensures that every dollar spent on direct services achieves maximum impact through professional program management and ongoing veteran support.
Model for corporate-community partnership
Google’s commitment in Clarksville’s veteran community reflects the company’s broader commitment to veteran employment nationwide. Through programs like Grow with Google and partnerships with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, Google has consistently demonstrated that supporting veteran employment creates value for both veterans and employers.
The Clarksville partnership is particularly strategic given the region’s unique characteristics. As home to Fort Campbell, the area has both a large population of transitioning service members and established employers who understand military culture. This creates an ideal environment for the type of comprehensive employment program the Google contribution makes possible.
Strengthening the community
This Google investment represents more than corporate social responsibility; it’s a recognition that supporting veteran employment strengthens entire communities. In Clarksville-Montgomery County, where military service is deeply woven into the community fabric, this partnership creates a model for how technology companies can meaningfully support the veteran transition process.
The program launches with the goal of serving veterans across the greater Clarksville area, with applications and information available through the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition.