Western to Implement New FourBlock Career-Readiness Program for Veterans Starting this Spring

Beginning spring quarter, Western Washington University’s Karen W. Morse Institute for Leadership will be a host location for FourBlock, a career-readiness program offered free to veterans enrolled at Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Bellingham Technical College.

FourBlock is a program designed to equip veterans with the professional development, career exploration, and network needed to make strong career choices.

“I am excited and honored to be able to offer this important career readiness program to veterans through the Karen W. Morse Institute for Leadership,” said institute director and Bowman Distinguished Professor of Leadership Karen Stout. “The Institute is committed to building leaders from all disciplines and interests and is proud to serve those who have served our country so well.”

FourBlock curriculum is established through Columbia University and offered on host campuses across the nation to provide a hybrid educational model of online learning combined with face-to-face class meetings, experiential learning, and networking with organizational recruiters and corporate partners.

Ann Beck, assistant director of Veterans Services at Western, said the program was designed with veteran employment in mind.

“FourBlock is facilitated by folks who understand the transition from military to career better than most.  We are so excited to be able to offer this to veterans in the area as we know it will help them succeed in finding and maintaining the jobs they have been studying and training for.  Our goal is to make sure our veteran community has all the necessary tools for a successful transition into the workforce,” Beck said.

FourBlock is a 501 (c)(3) corporation funded through grants, donors, and volunteer efforts resulting in excellent career preparation for veterans with very low overhead costs, which results in this program being offered free to veterans. According to FourBlock’s website, $.87 of every dollar goes to direct service for veterans, which has resulted in FourBlock receiving a GuideStar Platinum rating and being a “top-rated” nonprofit in 2016.

This effort will be a partnership between FourBlock, Western’s Veteran’s Services Office, the Karen W. Morse Institute for Leadership, Registrar’s Office, and Extended Education to offer the classes this spring. Veterans can apply for the program by visiting: http://fourblock.org/register.

To learn more about FourBlock go to http://fourblock.org/.