VetsinTech Awarded Cognizant Grant to Launch AI for Engineering Training Program for Veterans and Military Spouses

New program prepares the military community for AI-enabled careers across leading sectors, including engineering, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and technology

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VetsinTech, the leading national nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans through tech-based programs and opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship, today announced it has been awarded a grant from Cognizant to launch the AI for Engineering Training Program. The program delivers AI for Engineering training and workforce development for veterans and military spouses, preparing them for the AI-based careers now reshaping the business landscape. Engineering, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and technology industries are seeing increased strategic investment, with both private capital and government funding supporting growth in areas like advanced manufacturing, AI, and defense industrial capacity.

The new program will support training for 3 cohorts and begins in Q1 2027. Participants receive AI-focused technical training, career readiness support, and mentorship, along with direct connections to employers through VetsinTech's national employer network. The goal is to prepare veterans and military spouses for careers across engineering, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and technology, while helping employers build a stronger and more resilient talent pipeline.

"Cognizant has a longstanding commitment to supporting veterans and military spouses, and helping them prepare for careers in an AI-driven economy is a natural extension of that work. Veterans bring the discipline, adaptability and problem-solving skills this moment requires. We are proud to support VetsinTech in creating a direct pathway for the military community to pursue meaningful careers in AI engineering," said John Kim, Cognizant.

The need is urgent. According to Cognizant's latest New Work, New World report, AI could impact 93% of jobs. Meanwhile, a McKinsey survey found that 88% of organizations have already implemented AI in at least one business function. As AI rapidly transforms engineering and technical industries, demand for skilled talent is outpacing supply. The AI for Engineering Training Program will help bridge that gap while expanding career opportunities for the military community, a population that brings discipline, adaptability, and mission focus to the teams that hire them.

"AI is rewriting what an engineering career looks like, and our veterans and military spouses are ready to be at the front of that change, not left behind to catch up to it. This timely program gives them a direct path into the roles AI is now creating. And Cognizant's generous support is what makes that path real. Preparing this community for the future of AI engineering is exactly the mission we exist to serve," said Katherine Webster, Founder and CEO of VetsinTech.

This grant is part of Cognizant's broader commitment to workforce readiness. Through its Synapse initiative, Cognizant has set a goal of training more than two million people for the jobs of the future by 2030. Cognizant will be recognized as the supporting partner of the AI for Engineering Training Program, and together the two organizations aim to prepare the next generation of veteran talent for AI-powered careers.

The new program builds on VetsinTech's Vets in AI initiative, launched in early 2024. For two and a half years, VetsinTech has helped veterans and military spouses build careers in artificial intelligence through its 3Es, education, employment, and entrepreneurship. And the AI for Engineering Training Program brings that focus to the engineering and technical roles now in highest demand.

About Cognizant
Cognizant is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

About VetsinTech
Based in San Francisco with more than 150,000 veterans and 28 chapters across the country, VetsinTech is the leading national non-profit devoted 100% to springboarding veterans into tech careers. VetsinTech harnesses the national technology ecosystem to help veterans returning from active military duty pursue new technology careers by applying their exceptional training, skills, and experience. Comprising technology industry leaders and former service members, VetsinTech is the only non-profit supporting veterans and military spouses through tech-based education, employment, and entrepreneurship programs. Learn more at www.vetsintech.co.

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SOURCE VetsinTech