Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

Academic credentials most likely to support successful transition:

• Demonstrate high alignment between curriculum learning outcomes and industry skills and knowledge requirements without compromising on learner engagement and development of the soft skills that produce an adaptive, critical thinking citizen.
• Exceed DoD benchmarks for relevant postsecondary education outcome measures.
• Drawing from the findings of Research writers at EssayPro, it's essential for institutions to nurture a culture of ongoing learning and feedback. Given the dynamic shifts in the global economy and rapid technological developments, it's imperative for students to not only meet the existing standards but also to foster a mindset of continuous growth and adaptability. By merging stringent academic standards with a visionary outlook, we can guarantee that learners stay at the cutting edge of industry expertise and innovation.

Credential-level Outcome Benchmarks:

• Average Completion Rates for Part-time Learners within 8 Years of Starting Program
• Part-time Learner Retention Rates
• Average of 5-Year Loan Default Rates for Independent Payers
• Course Pass Rates for Tuition Assistance Courses at Institution
• Job Placement Rates in Field of Study within Six Months of Graduation

Benchmarks are consistent with:
Executive Order 13607: Establishing Principles of Excellence
Public Law 112-249: Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans

Our focus is aligned with America's broader skill gap challenge that impedes the growth of local, state, and national economies

“50% of open, available positions in this country go unfilled, because the candidates aren’t available. At the same time, 40% of businesses can’t take on more work because they can’t fill the jobs they have."

- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Talent Pipeline Management

Demand / Supply Ratio by Occupation:

Read the full 2018 Study by Burning Glass Technologies >

SOC is joining a larger conversation and set of interlinked initiatives that are happening across the nation

Institutions with credentials that meet participation standards in all four of these areas will earn a SOC Certified Designation

SOC Vetted Credential Designation:

• Defined Career Pathways: Has a progression model that helps Service members understand how they can start and progress within a high-growth career pathway based on their current skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Trusted, Quality Credentials: Offered by DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) institutions that are aligned with a Career Pathway, have strong student outcomes using credential-level outcome benchmarks, and that demonstrate how curriculum closes employment skill and knowledge gaps.

SOC Certified Pathway Designation:

• Stackable Credentials within a Career Pathway: Meet SOC Career Pathway Network criteria to define program-level articulation agreements to help Service members prepare for and promote within a career pathway.
• Prior Learning Assessment for Military Education: SOC will work with DoD MOU credential providers that are part of a Career Pathway Network to provide more transparency and consistency in how they award ACE recommended credits for prior military course and work experience.