Military veterans and their spouses have a longtime ally in UMass Lowell. Yesterday, the university grew that partnership through a collaboration with Headlamp that establishes a new workforce training and resource program to prepare veterans and their families for careers in the life sciences.
Customized classroom instruction, lab-based training, apprenticeship and job placement assistance will be available to participants of the new Veterans Reskilled in Innovative Solutions for Employment program. The initiative, known as Vets RISE, is funded by a nearly $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen and Headlamp CEO Steve Chang both praised U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan for her leadership in helping to secure the grant.
“Our veterans and their loved ones sacrifice more in service to our nation than we can ever imagine, and we owe it to them to ensure they have the support and opportunities they need to transition smoothly into civilian life,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “UMass Lowell’s Vets RISE program, in partnership with the outstanding folks at Headlamp, does invaluable work to help veterans and their spouses get started in quality, family-sustaining careers, and this federal investment is a testament to the initiative’s tremendous track record of success.”
Vets RISE will benefit from the expertise of Headlamp, an organization dedicated to clearing veterans’ paths back to civilian life by matching them with employers looking for job candidates whose skills are informed by their military experience.
“More than 1,300 military-connected students attend UMass Lowell each year, either on campus or online, many while deployed at locations around the world,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “We’re proud to develop Vets RISE not only for them but for so many other military-connected families in the region, as we help veterans enrich the workforce with their unique talents and perspective.”
Veterans and their spouses interested in enrolling may learn more and apply to the program by contacting Headlamp at laura@myheadlamp.com.
“Veterans are the ideal talent pool to build the workforce in critical industries such as life sciences, bringing unparalleled skills and dedication to the table,” said Headlamp CEO Steven Chang. “We are deeply grateful to Chancellor Julie Chen and UMass Lowell for the university’s unwavering support and leadership, and to the VA for their pivotal role in helping us build out our services, enabling us to match veterans with meaningful careers in these vital sectors.”
Vets RISE is the latest initiative of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, a technology ecosystem anchored by the development of new commercial real estate that translates the university’s success to fuel economic growth for Lowell and the Merrimack Valley.
“The opportunities available through Vets RISE honor participants’ military service and strengthen the tremendous talent pool in the Massachusetts life sciences industry,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “We’re proud UMass Lowell can be this catalyst for veterans and their families, as the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor expands the horizons for businesses locating in the region.”
The Vets RISE program comes on the heels of UMass Lowell’s announcement last month of a workforce training program created in partnership with Bioversity for local residents interested in rewarding, entry-level careers at Massachusetts life sciences companies.
“Lowell is proud to host and support UMass Lowell as the university continually broadens its reach to serve learners from all walks of life,” said City Manager Tom Golden. “The Vets RISE program is just the latest example of these efforts, which further establish the city as a business, cultural and educational destination for all.”
