Career Readiness
- Career exploration and alignment
- Military-to-civilian skills translation
- Master résumé and LinkedIn
- Interview preparation
You leave with: a master résumé and initial career direction.
Creating paths
that last.
Veterans CareerBridge helps veterans, transitioning service members, and military families explore careers, earn credentials, and connect with employers.
- No costto participants
- 3-week cohortthen up to 90 days of support
- Virtual eveningsMon to Thu, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Focused on what comes next.
WHO WE ARE
Wherever you are.
A path forward.
TalentBase Foundation partners with educators, employers, and communities to open pathways to work, growth, and long-term opportunity. Our programs are delivered virtually, so participants can join from anywhere in the country.
THE CHALLENGE
40%of post-9/11 veterans report feeling underemployed about four years after leaving service.
Source: Penn State Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, The Veterans Metrics Initiative, 2025
FOR VETERANS
Experience that gets lost in translation
Leadership, technical skills, and training don't always show up on a civilian résumé, and support is scattered across many agencies.
FOR EMPLOYERS
Strong talent that's hard to find
Employers want to hire veterans but often lack a reliable pipeline of prepared candidates and a partner to help them onboard.
OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
Veterans CareerBridge
Three phases. A clear path forward. Build your foundation, create your plan, and take your next steps with a coordinator by your side.
PPurposeWhat matters now
AAlignmentInterests, values, abilities
SSkillsCredentials and confidence
SStrategyA plan with follow-through
Individual Career Planning
- One-on-one intake on your goals and support needs
- Credit for prior learning review, so your service can count toward college credit
- Industry-aligned certification matching in fields like project management, cybersecurity, healthcare, and human resources
- Referrals for education, workforce, and support services
You leave with: a personalized career plan with clear milestones.
Career Plan Execution
- An assigned coordinator and scheduled check-ins
- Employer introductions and interviews
- On-the-job training, when eligible
- Connection to SkillBridge opportunities through approved providers
You leave with: documented progress and a plan for moving forward.
See how it works
Who can join: veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and eligible family members. Graduation ceremonies are held each spring and fall. Certification assistance depends on eligibility, approval, and available funding. Employment is not guaranteed.
Apply nowIMPACT
Real people. Real opportunities.
One hire, two perspectives: a CareerBridge graduate and the employer who brought him on.
40+
veterans and military family members completed Veterans CareerBridge in 2026
SUCCESS STORY Veterans CareerBridge to Project Development Solutions (PDS)
THE VETERAN“When I came to Veterans CareerBridge, I was facing an uncertain future. The program helped me recognize my strengths, build new skills, and connect with an employer who valued my experience. Today, I'm working with Project Development Solutions and building a new chapter in my career.”
THE EMPLOYER“Kieth brought the discipline and leadership you expect from an Army veteran, and CareerBridge helped him put that experience to work in project management. TalentBase took the time to understand what PDS needed, then introduced us to the right person. Kieth has been an asset to our team from day one.”
GET INVOLVED
Find your place.
Whether you're starting your next chapter, hiring, or giving back, there's a role for you.
Start your next chapter
- No-cost career program
- Credit for your military experience
- Direct employer connections
Meet ready talent
- Share hiring needs and career paths
- Speak to a cohort about your industry
- Interview participants or explore training-to-hire
Help open doors
- Volunteer your time and expertise
- Mentor a participant
- Make introductions in your network
Help a veteran take the next step.
Your gift helps cover certifications, career coaching, and support services for program participants.
PODCAST AND BLOG
Conversations that open doors.
Talks with leaders and companies shaping the future of work, hiring, and veteran opportunity.
First episodes coming soon.
Want to be a guest or suggest one?
Get in touch
LEADERSHIP
Leadership with purpose.
FOUNDER
Kenny Spratt, MBA, CWDP
A retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with more than 20 years of service, Kenny is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, among other decorations. He went on to serve as a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at Amazon and Director of Talent Partnerships at The Wonderful Company before founding TalentBase to connect military experience with civilian careers. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows program.
PROGRAM MANAGER
Dakota Whitney, MBA
Dakota leads day-to-day delivery of Veterans CareerBridge. He previously served as an admissions advisor at Southern New Hampshire University, supporting high-volume enrollment, the military student team, and Amazon's Career Choice program. He also builds and configures CRM systems and dashboards. Dakota holds a bachelor's degree focused on human psychology and an MBA from SNHU.
Founding Board of Directors
- Alan AlvarezReal Estate Developer, Pinnacle Land Co.Vice Chair, Downtown Business Association
- Morgan E. ClaytonFounder and Chairman of the Board, Tel-Tec Security Systems Inc.Chairman of the Board, Dignity Health
- Jim DamianCEO & Principal Consultant, LineanFormer Chief Economic Development Officer, Kern County
- Jason GremillionSenior Vice President of Development & Operations, Wonderful Real EstateU.S. Marine Corps veteran · Purple Heart recipient
- George HarmerTaft Union High School DistrictBoard President and Co-founder, Californians for Energy & Science
- Nicole ParraVice President, Community Affairs, California Resources CorporationFormer California State Assemblywoman
- Wendy PorterExecutive Director, Wounded Heroes Fund
- Alissa ReedExecutive Secretary, Kern, Inyo, Mono Counties Building & Construction Trades Council
- Dr. David SmithCEO, Mojave Air and Space PortColonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
- Scott StanleyChief Financial Officer, Rain for Rent
- Kenny Spratt, MBA, CWDPFounder & CEO, TalentBaseU.S. Army First Sergeant (Ret.) · Founder, TalentBase Foundation
FOUNDING CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
They believed in our mission from the beginning.
TalentBase Foundation proudly recognizes California Resources Corporation and Carbon TerraVault for their founding support and our first charitable contribution. Their early commitment helps us create paths that last.
CONTACT US
Start with a conversation.
Interested in Veterans CareerBridge? Fill out the short interest form and our team will reach out about the next cohort. For employer partnerships, mentoring, or other questions, email us.
- Emailinfo@talentbasefoundation.org
- LocationHeadquartered in Bakersfield, California · Serving participants nationwide