Veterans Reskilled in Innovative Solutions for Employment (Vets RISE) - is a workforce development program designed to help veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses transition into meaningful civilian careers. Through tailored training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, Vets RISE equips you with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand support roles. By leveraging your leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and other soft skills, Vets RISE empowers you to thrive in civilian careers and make an immediate impact in the workplace.

Start Dates and Scheduling: The program runs Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., with built-in flexibility to accommodate Veterans Affairs (VA) medical appointments and programmatic events outside of standard hours. We use rolling start dates to accommodate participant’s availability.

  • An anchor with a rope on a white background.
    Anchor Program

    8 weeks of intensive training.
  • A bridge over a river in the fall.
    Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program

    8-25 weeks depending on the individual’s SkillBridge timeline. Transitioning Military only.
  • A stack of pebbles in the shape of a arch.
    Flexible Program

    8-15 weeks, depending on the participant’s path and needs.

Regardless of the track you choose, you’ll gain valuable skills and real-world experience in key support roles, including logistics, project coordination, operations, and more.

  • Tailored Training: Whether you join the 8-week intensive Anchor Program, a SkillBridge-linked program, or a flexible 8-15 week track, the curriculum is designed to upskill participants and prepare them for high-demand civilian roles.
  • Real-World Experience: Participants have the opportunity for on-the-job training or internships with leading biotech, life sciences, and other industry companies.
  • Free for Participants: The program is free for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses.
  • Certificate of Completion: Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program, validating your new skills for employers.
  • Continuous Mentorship: Receive mentorship throughout the program to help navigate challenges and apply your learning to real-world scenarios.
  • Networking Opportunities: Access career fairs, roundtables, and industry events hosted at UMass Lowell.
  • Job Placement Assistance: With partnerships from Headlamp, MassHIRE, and Lowell Vets Center, participants will receive access to job search assistance and potential additional internship placements to help launch their civilian careers.

  • Transitioning Service Members (via SkillBridge)
  • Veterans (who have already transitioned from military service)
  • Spouses of Veterans and Transitioning Military

Participants can choose specific tracks based on their interests and background. All are designed to support careers in biotech, climate tech, and life sciences companies. More tracks are expected in FY26. Tracks include:

  • A group of people sitting around a table with blueprints and pencils
    Project Coordination
  • An image of an truck, ship, and plane with the earth in the background.
    Logistics and Supply Chain
  • A person's hands are holding a pen and a clipboard with graphs and papers on it.
    Operations
  • A person's feet standing in front of a black arrow offering 3 directions.
    Pre-Matched Company-Specific Roles

    (for example: cyber specialists, environmental technicians, facility managers, lab managers) - Available if pre-matched with a partnering company before program start by a C-LNO.

Tailored Curriculum

The program is designed to build on participants’ existing skills and career interests, with each track offering targeted training and real-world experience. Hybrid and in-person participants can expect at least a week of shadowing built into their curriculum to experience firsthand what it’s like to work in their chosen field by shadowing a mentor or visiting an industry site.

Program Cost

The Vets RISE program is free for all participants, but there may be optional additional industry certifications available for a minimal testing fee at participant’s discretion.

Mentor or Volunteer

Successful graduates are invited to become mentors or volunteers for future participants, sharing their lessons learned and experiences.

Ongoing Networking

Continued access to networking opportunities after program completion.

How to Get Started

Start your next career journey by contacting us with a message to all three of these emails: Vets_RISE@uml.edu and anderson@myheadlamp.com and laura@myheadlamp.com.

You can also contact UMass Lowell Vets RISE Staff for day-to-day programming or curriculum questions.