Our Mission:
At Forged by Valor, we are dedicated to empowering veterans in their transition to civilian life by providing them with high-quality welding training and comprehensive support services. We believe that veterans possess invaluable skills and experience gained through their military service, and we are committed to helping them translate those assets into fulfilling and rewarding careers in the welding industry.
Why Welding?
The welding industry offers excellent career opportunities with strong earning potential and high demand for skilled professionals. Welding is a versatile trade with applications in various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and energy. By providing veterans with comprehensive welding training, we equip them with the tools they need to succeed in this in-demand field.
Why We Need Your Support:
We are currently working diligently to secure funding to support our first cohort of veterans in Fall 2025. These funds will be crucial for covering the costs of:
- Tuition and Training Materials: Providing veterans with access to our comprehensive 800-hour welding program and covering the cost of essential training materials.
- Instructor Salaries: Ensuring we can attract and retain experienced and qualified welding instructors who are passionate about teaching and mentoring veterans.
- Student Support Services: Offering veterans access to vital support services, such as career counseling, academic advising, and mental health resources.
- Facility Enhancements: Making necessary improvements to our training facility to create an optimal learning environment for veterans.
GI Bill Benefits:
While we are actively pursuing approval to accept GI Bill benefits, this is a multi-step process that takes time. Here's why:
- Accreditation: We first need to obtain accreditation through the New York State Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS). This ensures that our program meets rigorous quality standards and provides veterans with a valuable education. We are diligently working towards achieving this accreditation.
- VA Approval: Once we have obtained state accreditation, we can then apply for approval through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept GI Bill benefits. This process typically involves a thorough review of our program, finances, and operations. Importantly, the VA requires a minimum of two years of established financial history to demonstrate our program's stability and sustainability. This means we need to operate for two years and demonstrate sound financial management before we can be eligible to receive GI Bill funding.
Our Commitment:
Despite the current inability to offer GI Bill benefits, we are deeply committed to making our program accessible to veterans. We are actively seeking funding to provide scholarships and financial assistance to cover tuition costs for our initial cohorts. Our goal is to remove financial barriers and empower veterans to embark on this exciting career path.
Join Us:
We invite you to join us on this mission to empower veterans through welding education. Your support, whether through financial contributions, spreading awareness, or connecting us with potential partners, will be instrumental in helping us launch this impactful program and change the lives of veterans in our community.
Call to Action:
- Donate: If you are able, please consider making a donation to support our Fall 2025 launch and help us provide scholarships to veterans.
- Spread the Word: Share information about Forged by Valor with veterans in your network and help us reach those who can benefit from our program.
- Partner with Us: If you represent a corporation or foundation interested in supporting veteran initiatives, we would love to connect with you and explore potential partnerships.
Together, we can empower veterans to forge a brighter future through the power of skilled trades.