Veterans Onward supports the ETS Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP) by developing and promoting the Protocol and Curriculum featured below to Universities and vocational and trade school programs. The course work can be offered pre-transition to secure early admissions and eligibility qualification for GI Bill benefits. The four week Veterans Onward can generate credit hours that will apply to the university hosting the course. Veterans Onward is a sister nonprofit corporation to the ETS-SP.

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Sample Lectures

Elective Lectures

Curriculum

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Identity Self-in-Context Seminar - Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development, Social Identity Theory, Military to civilian identity in a cultural environment, Military Transition Theory (MTT); Assessment Tool - Aspects of Identity Questionnaire (AIQ-IV); Experiential Exercise(s) - Identity exploration, stages in the Monomyth & Questions (Hero's Journey - Joseph Campbell); Homework - Complete Monomyth Qs and discuss in seminar. Understand: Interpret/summarize identity theories. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of identity formation and the theories that help explain them. Analyze: Illustrate application of identity formation theories to make sense of transitioning from a military-centric identity to a civilian one. Evaluate: Determine how identity formation takes place and changes in the context of identity theories. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Core
Self-Awareness Self-in-Context Seminar - Self-awareness defined (e.g., four levels of awareness), "Meta-skill of the 21st-century" (Eurich, 2017); emotional intelligence; Assessment Tools - Attitude Toward Self (ATS) scale, Self-Consciousness Scale (SCS-R), Self-Awareness Qs, Masculine Behavioral Scale (MBS); Homework - Complete tools and discuss in class. Understand: Interpret/summarize selfawareness concepts. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of selfawareness. Analyze: Illustrate application of self-awareness and emotional intelligence principles/theories. Evaluate: Determine your level of selfawareness and how to enhance it in personal and professional settings. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Core
Social Landscape Self-in-Context Seminar - VO's definition of "social landscape" (important personal, professional, organizational, and community relationships), Social Support Theory and four common functions of social support; Assessment Tools - Self-Awareness Qs; Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL), Social Network Index (SNI); Experiential Exercise(s) - Discuss ISEL & SNI output; Homework - Complete tools and discuss in class. Understand: Interpret/summarize social support theory and four common functions. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of social support theory. Analyze: Illustrate application of social support theory. Evaluate: Determine types/kinds of social support and ways to enhance support. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (1A1a, 1A1b) Core
Relationship Development Self-in-Context Seminar - Mark Knapp's Relational Development Model, Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages, strengthening and dealing with challenges within relationships; Assessment Tools - Avoidance Strategy Questionnaire (ASQ), Brief Family Distress Scale, Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize relationship development theories and practices. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of relationship development - strengthening and dealing with challenges. Analyze: Illustrate application of relationship strategies. Evaluate: Determine strengths and areas of improvement, and help enhance relationships. Virtual and/or In-person 90-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (1B1a, 2A2c, 2B3c, 2B3e) Core & Optional Steps
Expectation Management - Individual & Relationships Self-in-Context Seminar - Interpersonal Expectancy Effect, Interdependency Theory, threats to interpersonal relationships, etc.; Assessment Tools - Romantic Partner Conflict Scale (RPCS), Relational Assessment Questionnaire (RAQ); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize theories and practices to mitigate threats to interpersonal relationships. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of expectations, interdependence, and threats to relationships. Analyze: Illustrate the application of theories and practices to mitigate threats to interpersonal relationships. Evaluate: Determine partnership expectations regarding personal, career, social, financial, and family time, and ensure the application of effective strategies to enhance relationships, and mitigate challenges. Virtual and/or In-person 120-180 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; Veteran & SO feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (2B2a-2d, 2B2f-g) Core & Optional Steps
Problem-Solving Self-in-Context Seminar - Problem development and the psychology of problemsolving; Assessment Tools - Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale - Short Form (IUS - 12), Maximizing Scale and Regret Scale (MSRS); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize problem development and problemsolving theories and practices. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of problem development and solving in multiple settings. Analyze: Illustrate application of problem development and solving strategies. Evaluate: Determine the most effective strategies to solve problems. Virtual and/or In-person 90-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3B1a, 3B1b, 3B1c) Core
High-Risk Situations Self-in-Context Seminar - Stress management strategies, characteristics of highrisk situations, cycle of life challenges and transitional events; Assessment Tools - Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS), Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ), Columbia Protocol; Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize stress management strategies, identify high-risk situations, and the challenges of transitioning from the military. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of stress management strategies for multiple settings, high-risk situations, and the challenges of transitioning from the military. Analyze: Illustrate the application of stress management strategies and how to cope with high-risk situations. Evaluate: Determine the most effective strategies to manage stress and identify personal indicators to deal effectively with high-risk situations, and the challenges of transitioning from the military. Virtual and/or In-person 90-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3B3b, 3B3c, 3B3e) Core
Social Skills & Behaviors Self-in-Context Seminar - Interpersonal skills, "soft" skills and behaviors, group dynamics; Assessment Tools - Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ); Experiential Exercise(s) - Role-playing. Understand: Interpret/summarize interpersonal skills and behaviors, and group dynamics. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of interpersonal skills across a wide spectrum of daily life events. Analyze: Illustrate application of interpersonal skills. Evaluate: Determine one's interpersonal skills and mitigate gaps to enhance skills. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3C1b, 3C1c, 3C1d) Core
Interpersonal Communication Self-in-Context Seminar - Interpersonal communication, non-verbal communication, listening skills (types of listening); Assessment Tools - Listening Skills Test (LST), Willingness to Communicate (WTC); Experiential Exercise(s) - Role-playing, small group exercises; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize interpersonal communication skills. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of interpersonal communication skills. Analyze: Illustrate application of interpersonal communication skills based on seminars, exercises, and tools' output. Evaluate: Determine one's interpersonal communication skills and mitigate gaps to enhance skills. Virtual and/or In-person 90-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3C3a, 3C3b, 3C3d) Core
Mind-Body Connection Health Seminar - Science of the mindbody connection, biopsychosocial approach to understanding health and illness, psychosomatic medicine; Assessment Tool(s) - Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Patient Health Questionnaire - Short Form (PHQ - 4); Experiential Exercise(s) - Discussion of personal indicators of mind/body connection and identifying a time when they experienced the most stress and the greatest happiness; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize biopsychosocial approach, mind-body connection, and personal indicators of physical and emotional distress. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of biopsychosocial approach, mind-body connection, and personal indicators of physical and emotional distress. Analyze: Illustrate application of biopsychosocial approach and mind-body connection. Evaluate: Determine personal indicators in the context of the biopsychosocial approach. Virtual and/or in-person 90-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3B3d, 3B4f) Core
Well-Being Health Seminar - Well-being with a focus on health (Thompson et al., 2016 - includes 7 domains - employment, finances, health, life skills, social integration, housing & physical environment, and cultural & social environment); Assessment Tool(s) - Quality of Life Index - Generic Version (QLI-G); Experiential Exercise(s) - Small-group discussion of QLI-G output during seminar. Homework - Journaling, breathing exercises, mindfulness and/or yoga. Understand: Interpret/summarize wellbeing and its specific domains in the context of military transition theory (MTT). Apply: Demonstrate understanding of well-being and its specific domains in the context of military transition theory (MTT). Analyze: Illustrate the application of well-being for your own experience as a transitioning service member. Evaluate: Determine your well-being across the specific domains based on survey results and applied strategies to promote wellbeing. Virtual and/or in-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3B3d, 3B4c-f, 3B2a) Core
Resilience Health Seminar - Resilience defined, components of resilience, indicators, etc. Assessment Tool(s) - PTSD Checklist - Military Version (PCL-M), Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ), Trauma History Screen (THS), Resilience (lots to choose from); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Journaling. Understand: Interpret/summarize resilience, components of, and indicators. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of resilience. Analyze: Illustrate application of resilience. Evaluate: Determine resiliency of Veteran, identify strength and vulnerabilities, and enhance strategies to build resilience. Virtual and/or in-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3B3d, 3B4c-f, 3B2a) Core
Anger Management Health Seminar - Anger, indicators, triggers, responses, etc., TEARS of HOPE (Sims, 2017); Assessment Tool(s) - Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ); Negative & Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Complete tools, journaling. Understand: Interpret/summarize anger management, triggers, responses, etc. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of personal triggers and indicators of anger. Analyze: Illustrate application of anger management techniques/strategies. Evaluate: Determine anger management techniques/strategies of Veteran and enhance strategies. Virtual and/or in-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3B4c-e, 3B2a) Core
Nutrition & Alcohol Health Seminar - UHS's Consortium for Health & Military Performance (CHAMP) Human Performance Resources (HPR) for resources on nutrition, physical, and mental fitness. Assessment Tool(s) - Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Journaling of eating/drinking habits. Understand: Interpret/summarize nutrition, mental/physical fitness strategies. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of nutrition, mental/physical fitness strategies to promote healthy living. Analyze: Illustrate application of healthy habits as they relate to nutrition and alcohol consumption. Evaluate: Determine nutrition, alcohol consumption habits and incorporate healthy habits. Virtual and/or in-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Core
Pain Management Health Seminar - Pain management techniques, triggers, responses. Assessment Tool - Pain Outcomes Questionnaire (POQ); Experiential Exercise(s) - TBD; Homework - Yoga, exercises, etc. Understand: Interpret/summarize pain management techniques, triggers, and responses. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of pain management. Analyze: Illustrate application of pain management techniques, triggers, and responses. Evaluate: Determine pain triggers, responses, and enhance pain management techniques. Virtual and/or In-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Core
Higher Education Education Seminar - Community college vs. universities, higher education statistics, cost of attendance, areas of study, in-demand majors, graduate school. Experiential Exercise(s) - Exploring education interests. Understand: Interpret/summarize the components of higher education. Analyze: Illustrate the application of applying for and attending college/university. Evaluate: Determine higher education pursuits and set goals. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Core & Optional Steps
Vocational Training Education Seminar - Vocational training overview, specific areas of training, in-demand programs. Experiential exercise(s) - Exploring vocational interests; Assessment Tool - Holland Occupational Themes. Understand: Interpret/summarize vocational training opportunities. Analyze: Illustrate application of vocational training opportunities overview. Evaluate: Determine vocational training pursuits. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Optional Steps
Online Education & Certification Education Seminar - Online courses/certification, massive open online courses (MOOCs), online learning platforms. Experiential exercise(s) - Exploring online courses/certification, research MOOCs. Understand: Interpret/summarize online courses/certification opportunities. Analyze: Illustrate application of online courses/certification opportunities overview. Evaluate: Determine online courses/certification pursuits. Virtual and/or In-person 60-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback(survey), Sponsor feedback. Core & Optional Steps
GI Bill Education Seminar - GI Bill overview. Understand: Interpret/summarize GI Bill eligibility. Evaluate: Determine GI Bill eligibility for higher education and/or career pursuits. Virtual and/or In-person 60 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. Core & Optional Steps
From Boots to Suits Career Seminar - Reintegration defined (Elnitsky et al., 2017), Hofstede's definition of culture, Five stages of culture shock and reintegration to civilian life (Bergman et al., 2014), Veteran pathways to employment opportunities (CNAS, 2019); Experiential exercise(s) - Discussion of seminar materials. Understand: Interpret/summarize the reintegration process and pathways to veteran employment. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of the reintegration process and pathways to veteran employment. Analyze: Illustrate the application of the reintegration process and pathways to veteran employment. Evaluate: Determine how the reintegration process and pathways to employment affect the Veteran. Virtual and/or In-person 60 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (2B3b) Core
Exploring Career Paths Career Seminar - High-demand industry skills, technology trends, public and private sector careers, corporate programs; Experiential exercise(s) - MOS Crosswalk, skills identification; Assessment Tool(s) - Career Interest Assessment (https://www. careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/interestassessment.aspx); Homework - TBD. Understand: Interpret/summarize exploring career paths content. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of career paths content. Analyze: Illustrate application of career path exploration. Evaluate: Determine how exploration of career paths helps in identifying posttransition career opportunities. Virtual and/or In-person 60 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (2B1a, 2B1b, 3C2a, 2B3d) Core & Optional Steps
Strengths, Interests & Setting Goals Career Seminar - Identifying interests and setting professional goals; Experiential exercise(s) - SMART Goals; Assessment Tool(s) - Interest Assesment, Work Values Assessment, Skills Assessment (https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/s elf-assessments.aspx); Homework - SMART Goals. Understand: Interpret/summarize process of identifying interests and setting professional goals. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of identifying interests and setting professional goals by using the SMART Goals template. Analyze: Illustrate application of identifying interests and setting professional goals using the SMART Goals template. Evaluate: Determine how identifying interests and setting goals will help to identify a career path post-transition Virtual and/or In-person 60 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (2B1a, 2B1b, 3C2a, 2B3b, 2B3d) Core
Veteran Career Services Career Seminar - Overview of Veteran career services and resources; Experiential exercise(s) - Identify career-oriented VSOs and registration; Homework - TBD. Understand: Interpret/summarize Veteran career services. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of relevant career services. Analyze: Illustrate application of using Veteran career services. Evaluate: Determine how identifying Veteran career services will help in identifying a career path posttransition. Virtual and/or In-person 60 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (2B1a) Core & Optional Steps
Communication Skills In A Professional Setting Career Seminar - Communication skills in a professional setting, non-verbal communication, interviewing; Experiential Exercise(s) - Mock interviews, role-playing, small group exercises; Homework - Complete tools. Understand: Interpret/summarize communication skills in a professional setting. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of communication skills in a professional setting. Analyze: Illustrate application of communication skills based on seminars and exercises. Evaluate: Determine communication skills in a professional setting and mitigate gaps to enhance skills. Virtual and/or In-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3C3a, 3c2b, 3C3b, 3C3d) Core
Cover Letters & Resumes Career Seminar - Overview of different types of cover letters and resumes; Experiential exercise(s) - Draft cover letter and resume; Homework - Complete draft of cover letter(s) and resume(s) for jobs of interest. Understand: Interpret/summarize cover letter and resume-writing skills. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of cover letter and resume-writing skills. Analyze: Illustrate application of cover letter and resume-writing based on seminar discussions and exercises. Evaluate: Determine cover letter and resumewriting abilities and enhance skills. Virtual and/or In-person 90-120 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3C2b) Core & Optional Steps
Career Fairs Career Seminar - Overview of Career Fairs (virtual and in-person), attire, skills elevator pitch; Experiential exercise (s) - Draft skills elevator pitch for Career Fairs; Homework - Complete skills elevator pitch. Understand: Interpret/summarize successful navigation of Career Fairs. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of successfully navigating Career Fairs. Analyze: Illustrate application of skills needed to navigate Career Fairs successfully. Evaluate: Determine gaps in preparedness for Career Fairs and enhance skills. Virtual and/or In-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3C2b) Optional
Financial Literacy Career Seminar - Overview of financial planning, investing, budgeting, spending and saving, balancing a checkbook, salary negotiations, etc.; Experiential exercise(s) - Roleplaying (salary negotiations), one-on-one counseling w/a Financial Planner. Homework: TBD. Understand: Interpret/summarize financial planning overview. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of financial planning. Analyze: Illustrate application of financial planning skills. Evaluate: Determine financial planning skills and mitigate gaps, and enhance skills. Virtual and/or In-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (3C2b) Core & Optional Steps
Veterans Onward Training Program Overview Reintegration Seminar - Introduction to the program and objectives, overview of specific sessions, expectations, commitment, support system involvement, etc. Experiential exercise(s) - SM/V and Sponsor introductions, icebreaker. Homework - Identify training sessions of interest (based on electives offered). Understand: Interpret program objectives. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of program objectives. Analyze: Illustrate the application of program objectives by participating in modules and completing exercises. Evaluate: Determine effectiveness of program objectives to meet personal and professional needs. Virtual and/or in-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation. MOE: Reflection/discussion of assessment tool(s) output; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (1B4a, 1B4c) Core
Action Plans Reintegration Seminar - Discuss the purpose of developing an Action Plan: review the process and set goals, identify tenets that are common to all Action Plans, include ways to articulate and assess progress against short- and long-term goals; Experiential exercise(s) - Q&A session focused on Action Plans; Homework - Input initial data requirements to commence development of tailored Action Plans Understand: Interpret Action Plan requirements. Apply: Demonstrate understanding of Action Plan requirements. Analyze: Illustrate the application of Action Plan requirements by participating in the development of a tailored Action Plan. Evaluate: Determine effectiveness of developing a tailored Action Plan to meet personal and professional needs. Virtual and/or in-person 60-90 minutes. MOP: Attendance/participation, input data specific to each SM/V's Action Plan. MOE: Reflection/discussion of Action Plan components; feedback (survey), Sponsor feedback. (2A1a-d, 2A2b, 3D2d) Core & Optional Steps