Military-affiliated professionals have overwhelming choices to make when it comes to navigating their career paths and knowing what resources they should pursue. That’s where ACT Now Education steps in.

Founded by Jai Salters, ACT Now is on a mission to empower the military-connected community with structured, actionable support—from certifications and mentorship to apprenticeships and educational resources. In this interview, we speak with Salters about ACT Now’s long-term vision, its impact on military professionals pursuing careers in higher education, and how the initiative is creating clear, supported pathways to success so that no one is alone.

Kim O’Brien, HigherEdMilitary: As the founder and executive director of ACT Now, what are your long-term goals for the initiative, and how do you see its role evolving in supporting both military-affiliated professionals and the broader higher education community?

Salters: As the founder and executive director of ACT Now Education, my long-term goal is to build the most efficient and accessible system for military-affiliated professionals to reach their personal and professional goals whether that’s through certification, education, employment, or entrepreneurship. Too often, service members are overwhelmed by scattered resources and unclear transitions. At ACT Now, we’re solving that by creating structured, streamlined paths that cut through confusion and deliver real results. Our evolution is rooted in three core pillars:

1. Career Compass: Turning goals into guided action. Our Career Compass platform provides customized roadmaps based on each user’s background, interests, and desired destination. Whether you're a transitioning service member aiming for IT certification or a military spouse looking to enter project management, we give you a direct line from A to B, with the exact steps, resources, and timelines to get there.

2. MilMentor: Real People. Real Progress. We connect military talent to vetted mentors through our MilMentor platform people who’ve walked the path before and can provide honest advice, insight, and encouragement. These relationships are a key part of accelerating success, avoiding common missteps, and gaining clarity in decision-making.

3. Action-Based Events: From learning to doing. We don’t just host webinars we deliver results-focused events that provide actionable next steps. Whether it’s resume reviews, interview prep, certification workshops, or career fairs, every ACT Now event is designed to move our community closer to their goals with every interaction.

O’Brien: Have you had job seekers looking for careers in higher education? If so, how does ACT Now address challenges faced by military-affiliated students and faculty in higher education through its mission and resources?

Salters: Yes, we’ve supported many military-affiliated professionals veterans, spouses, and transitioning service members who are pursuing careers in higher education as teachers, staff, or administrators. Many face challenges like unclear pathways into academia, difficulty translating military experience into academic roles, financial barriers, and a lack of mentorship. ACT Now addresses these challenges by providing clear, step-by-step guidance through our Career Compass platform, personalized mentorship through MilMentor, and action-based events that help participants take the next step toward their goals. We also connect our community to funding opportunities, working with partners like Scholarship America, which offers scholarships specifically for veterans pursuing teaching careers. Additionally, we support career transitions into JROTC programs, helping veterans become certified instructors and educators. Through our resources, mentorship, and partnerships, we create efficient, supported pathways into higher education, making it easier for military professionals to build meaningful, sustainable careers in academic environments.

O’Brien: With ACT Now providing apprenticeships, certifications, educational resources, training, and employee assistance, does ACT Now partner with institutional career centers?

Salters: At ACT Now, we work closely with college and university career centers to make sure military-affiliated students and professionals have the support, resources, and connections they need to build meaningful careers. We know how overwhelming the transition from service to civilian life can be, and our goal is to make that path clearer, faster, and more aligned with what the job market actually needs. We partner with career centers to align our apprenticeships, certifications, and educational tools with what schools are already offering while adding a military lens. That includes tailored guidance, joint events, and hands-on workshops that help translate military experience, understand federal job systems, and navigate education benefits like the G.I. Bill®. We're also building new college-level certificate programs that prepare veterans and spouses for in-demand careers especially in areas like data center operations, where there's a real talent gap. These programs are designed to be practical and flexible, so learners can quickly gain the skills they need to step into high-paying roles. In everything we do, we’re focused on building bridges between military life and civilian success, between education and employment, and between talent and opportunity.

O’Brien: How does ACT Now facilitate networking opportunities for higher education professionals in the military-affiliated community?

Salters: ACT Now creates meaningful networking opportunities for higher education professionals in the military-affiliated community by connecting them with mentors, peers, institutions, and employers who truly understand their journey. One of our most powerful tools is the MilMentor platform, where veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses connect directly with professionals working in higher education and beyond. Whether you’re looking for guidance on entering academia, navigating certifications, or advancing in your career, MilMentor offers access to real people who’ve been there and are ready to help. We also host live, interactive events that make networking feel accessible and actionable. Our flagship event, the ACT Now Weekly Rundown, is a live webinar held every Saturday that delivers real-time updates on job opportunities, scholarships, certifications, and resources tailored to the military community. More importantly, it's a space to connect with fellow service members, ask questions, and build relationships that support your professional goals. Alongside this, we work directly with colleges and universities to form strategic partnerships giving military-affiliated professionals greater access to campus career centers, internal job boards, and higher education communities that may otherwise be out of reach. Whether you're just starting to explore a career in higher ed or looking to grow within the field, ACT Now is here to support you. We believe in making networking personal, purposeful, and powerful because no one should have to navigate their next step alone.

O’Brien: What is one key insight you'd like to share with readers about ACT Now, and what should they do first if they're interested in exploring opportunities via your platform?

Salters: One key insight about ACT Now is this: you don’t have to navigate your transition or career path alone. Whether you're a veteran, transitioning service member, or military spouse, ACT Now was built to simplify the process and connect you to real opportunities with real support. From certifications and apprenticeships to scholarships, mentorship, and career connections we offer a clear, actionable path forward. If you’re interested in exploring what ACT Now has to offer, the best first step is to join the Weekly Rundown our free, live Saturday webinar that breaks down the latest resources, job leads, and programs available to the military community. It’s the easiest way to plug in, ask questions, and start building your plan with the support of a community that gets it. From there, we’ll help guide your next move whether it’s finding a mentor, earning a credential, or landing your next career.

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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