FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Drake State Community & Technical College and NextOp have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a collaborative effort to expand education, workforce training, and career opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, and military-connected individuals throughout North Alabama.
The partnership brings together Drake State’s academic programs and workforce development resources with NextOp’s expertise in military transition, mentorship, and career placement. Through this collaboration, the organizations will work to connect military-affiliated individuals with industry-recognized training, educational opportunities, professional mentorship, career guidance, and pathways to high-demand careers.
“At Drake State, we recognize the tremendous value veterans and transitioning service members bring to our workforce and our communities,” said Dr. Patricia G. Sims, President of Drake State Community & Technical College. “We are grateful to NextOp for choosing to partner with Drake State as we work together to connect military-affiliated individuals with educational opportunities, technical training, and rewarding careers. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening North Alabama’s workforce.”
The MOU was signed Thursday, November 5, at Drake State’s Leidos Advanced Training Complex in Huntsville. The announcement brought together college leadership, NextOp representatives, community and business leaders, veterans and other military-affiliated guests.
“At NextOp, we are committed to helping transitioning service members and veterans turn their military experience into meaningful civilian career opportunities. Partnering with Drake State allows us to connect more military-affiliated individuals with the education, technical training, and resources they need to succeed in today’s workforce.” said Cierra Cottman, Alabama Regional Manager for NextOp, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for veterans and employers throughout North Alabama.”
Through this partnership, Drake State and NextOp intend to leverage their respective resources and expertise to help military-connected individuals navigate the transition into civilian employment. By drakestate.edu, 3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811 connecting educational and technical training opportunities with individualized mentorship and career placement support, the collaboration will also help address regional workforce needs and strengthen the pipeline of skilled talent for North Alabama employers.
About Drake State Community & Technical College
Established in 1961, Drake State Community and Technical College is a historically black community college in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the fast-growing, highly technical aerospace and defense industry, including the NASA Marshall Flight Center, US Army Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Parks. Drake State offers flexible, affordable university-transfer 2-year and technical degrees, certificates, adult and continuing education, and customized technical skills training for Huntsville/Madison County employers. Visit drakestate.edu for more information.
About NextOp
NextOp is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 to connect transitioning service members and veterans with rewarding careers in industry. Through individualized mentorship and career placement support, NextOp helps military professionals translate their skills and experience into civilian workforce opportunities, creating value for both veterans and employers. For more information, visit www.nextopvets.org.