Solutions for Information Design (SOLID) for Military Populations

Last Updated: Spring 2023

Relational Map coming soon. Learn more about the work we’re doing with AI and view our example prototypes here.

Overview

Solutions for Information Design, LLC (SOLID) is an intermediary that works to enhance the nation’s military and civilian workforce by strengthening career pathways, guiding skill attainment, and improving communication of workers’ skills and abilities. SOLID provides services to several projects that focus on serving the military population, including COOLSM, MilGearsSM, SKillBridge, and the College Navy Program.

COOLSM (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, also known as Credentialing Assistance or CA) is an interactive website that uses a database of occupational and credentialing information to allow service members to easily identify and attain credentials that will support their professional development in the military and beyond. SOLID has supported this website since 2006. The program can pay for courses and exams that lead to industry-recognized civilian credentials. Individuals can use the program to enhance skills, either in their current MOS (military occupational specialty—the role or job while in service), or in an occupation they would like to pursue when they leave military service. CA funding is available for any credential listed on Army COOL.

Powered by COOLSM, MilGearsSM is a web-based technology solution developed in 2017 to support professional development for service members at every stage of their career. It connects individual learning and experience to customized career and education opportunities. Built on an extensive aggregate of military and civilian occupational and credentialing data mapped by SOLID, MilGearsSM allows users to explore career paths, assess how their current experience matches up to job requirements, and advance their career goals.

The Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program connects separating military service members with industry partners, helping them gain invaluable real-world experience to transition to the civilian workforce. Eligible during the final 180 days of service, service members enrolled in SkillBridge programs take part in specialized industry training, apprenticeships, or internships in in-demand fields while receiving full military compensation and benefits. SkillBridge industry partners get the opportunity to tap into a highly trained, motivated, and dependable population of workers at no cost, while providing them with indispensable knowledge, training, and on-the-job experience.

The Navy College Program enables Sailors to receive academic credit for training they receive and work they perform while on active duty. This includes classes and coursework completed remotely when deployed, including on ships and submarines. SOLID redesigned the Navy College Program website at the Navy’s request, as the Navy transitioned from on-base Navy College Offices to virtual support and counseling services that would be provided through the website.

Resources

Solutions for Information Design, LLC

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