We sat down with Ali Clifton, national director of talent acquisition and Women’s Affinity Group board member, to discuss the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, or MSCAP.

Military spouses are often the unsung heroes of our armed forces.

“They are resilient, adaptable and deeply committed, yet they face an unemployment rate of 21 percent, a figure that has remained stubbornly high for years,” Clifton said.

This is not due to a lack of skill or motivation, but rather a unique set of challenges tied to the military lifestyle. Recognizing this, the Department of Defense has taken a groundbreaking step to support these talented individuals through MSCAP.

This initiative offers a bridge between the immense potential of military spouses and the companies that need their skills. At Maxim Healthcare, we are proud to be part of this program, which aligns perfectly with our mission to serve our communities and empower lives. By providing meaningful career opportunities, we not only support military families but also strengthen our own team with uniquely qualified professionals.

In this article, Clifton discusses what MSCAP is, how the program evolved from a pilot to a permanent initiative, challenges military spouses face in pursuing employment, and more.

What is the military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot?

MSCAP is a Department of Defense-funded initiative designed to connect career-ready military spouses with meaningful employment opportunities. Administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes, the program provides spouses with paid 12-week fellowships at employers across various industries and locations throughout the United States.

Launched as part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, MSCAP is a first-of-its-kind program. Its structure is designed for deep immersion and professional growth. Fellowship candidates are carefully matched with host companies based on their skills and mutual preferences. Once matched, fellows spend four days a week gaining on-the-job training and one day in professional development huddles with their group, following a comprehensive 12-week syllabus. This blend of practical experience and structured learning helps them build confidence and tangible skills.

From pilot to permanent: a story of success

The pilot program was so successful that the Department of Defense is making it a permanent initiative starting in January 2026.

“The numbers speak for themselves: With more than 1,200 fellowship placements, the program has achieved an 86 percent employment offer rate,” Clifton said.

This powerful statistic shows that when given a chance to prove themselves, military spouses not only meet but exceed expectations.

According to Clifton, the new permanent Career Accelerator will build on this success with several key enhancements:

• Increased stipends: Fellows will see a 50 percent increase in stipend compensation, providing greater financial stability for their families.
• More hands-on experience: The program will consist of 12 full-time weeks, giving fellows more time to integrate with host employers.
• Expanded eligibility: Spouses living abroad are now eligible to apply, opening the door for more families to benefit.
• Personalized career coaching: Every fellow will be matched with a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities career coach for tailored guidance.

These enhancements demonstrate a long-term commitment to creating lasting career pathways for military spouses, moving beyond temporary solutions to foster sustainable success.

Employment challenges faced by military spouses

According to Clifton, military spouses face significant employment hurdles, including frequent relocations, gaps in their résumés and employer bias. These challenges often overshadow the incredible skills they develop through their unique life experiences.

Employers who partner with programs like MSCAP quickly discover that these candidates bring a powerful combination of soft and hard skills to the table.

Skills military spouses bring to the workplace

• Adaptability and resilience: Constantly moving and adjusting to new environments makes them flexible and quick to learn.
• Strong organizational skills: They are masters of logistics, often managing household moves, schedules and finances while their partner is deployed.
• Emotional intelligence and empathy: Military life fosters a deep sense of community and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life—traits invaluable in healthcare and customer-facing roles.
• Problem-solving and resourcefulness: Military spouses are experts at thinking on their feet and finding creative solutions with limited resources.
• Loyalty and commitment: When a company invests in them, military spouses often become dedicated and loyal employees who value stability and teamwork.
• Cross-cultural competence: Many have lived around the world, giving them a global perspective and strong cultural sensitivity.

These are not just bullet points on a résumé—they are deeply ingrained qualities that make military spouses exceptional team members who can strengthen any organization.

Maxim’s commitment to military families

Our participation in MSCAP is a natural extension of our company values: servant leadership, integrity and trust, respect for differences, and prioritizing quality. By empowering military spouses, we integrate professionals who embody resilience, empathy and service into our teams, enhancing patient care and reinforcing our commitment to community-based support.

Maxim is also part of the 4+1 Commitment, a nationwide initiative encouraging employers to adopt policies that support military spouse careers. We commit to facilitating job transferability, offering remote and flexible work options, and providing leave for permanent change of station moves. Our participation as an MSCAP host company is our “+1,” demonstrating our dedication to going the extra mile.

“We’ve seen this commitment in action,” Clifton said. “We have successfully retained spouses during moves, including a recent transfer on my own team.”

As we pilot the program in our Tacoma office, located near a major military installation, we are starting with a fellow in the client coordinator role. The goal is to provide a supportive environment where the fellow can learn, grow and hopefully transition into a permanent position. If successful, we plan to expand this opportunity to other locations and roles, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits both Maxim and the military community.

A path to success and self-belief

MSCAP does more than provide a job—it helps restore confidence and creates vital professional connections. Fellows gain real-world experience that demonstrates their value, and the financial stability from the paid fellowship is a significant boost for their families. Clifton said 91 percent of fellows receive offers from their host companies, and the program is a proven pathway to long-term, meaningful employment.

By investing in military spouses, we are not just filling a position. We are supporting the backbone of our military, strengthening our communities and enriching our workforce with diverse, skilled and dedicated individuals. It is a powerful partnership where everyone wins, and we at Maxim are honored to be part of this transformative journey.

To learn more about this program, visit https://www.hiringourheroes.org/career-services/fellowships/.

Maxim Healthcare offers extensive home health, personal care and behavioral care services to the military community. To learn more about the services available near you, contact your local Maxim office. You’ve served us; now let us serve you.