Veterans Team Academy — Pilot Team Company

Overview

The Veterans Team Academy follows the same Tiimiakatemia® Team Company model used across Changemakers Team Academy. Veterans learn in peer-led, coach-supported learning organizations that operate from public libraries and community hubs alongside other changemakers. This pilot Team Company has a specific shared vision: every veteran member will qualify and become a certified Veterans Service Officer, and their Project Teams will found new Veterans Service Organizations or launch organizations that support existing VSOs and VSO officers.

What Happens in Practice

• Learn-by-doing in Team Companies with certified Tiimiakatemia coaches.
• Project Teams prepare complete benefits claims with peer support, then escalate to experts only when needed.
• Members complete required VSO education and accreditation steps while building real service capacity.
• Teams collaborate in libraries with other Changemaker companies to exchange knowledge and expand networks.

Outputs and Value

• Every member targets certification as a Veterans Service Officer.
• New VSOs and supportive organizations are created as project outcomes.
• Veterans develop the 21 Tiimiakatemia skills that employers and communities demand.
• System capacity grows at low cost since a single coach supports multiple cohorts each week.

Where This Fits

The pilot aligns with WDVA peer support goals and integrates expert partners such as accredited attorneys when appropriate. Teams meet in publicly accessible spaces like libraries and Veterans Homes so leadership can see the method in action during site visits.