DRAFTKINGS TAKES FREE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM FOR VETERANS ONLINE AND NATIONWIDE
Company introduces new mentoring program to facilitate employee engagement in Tech for Heroes
BOSTON, May 4, 2020 - (Nasdaq: DKNG) - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DraftKings will move its Tech for Heroes training online, providing veterans and military spouses with free, comprehensive, high-tech job skills training. DraftKings will be initially providing two online training sessions in web development, which will begin today, May 4, and May 18. As an extension of the program, DraftKings is introducing a new partnership with American Corporate Partners (ACP), to offer mentorship opportunities by connecting veterans across the country to DraftKings employees.
“At DraftKings, we meet challenges with opportunity. The current situation is affecting everyone, including veterans, but our commitment to veterans and their families remains as strong as ever,” said Paul Liberman, DraftKings co-founder and President, Global Technology and Product. “We knew that our Tech for Heroes program had to adapt and meet veterans where they were. By taking the training online, and by introducing a new mentoring program, we are now able to connect with more veterans across the country and expand the impact of our Tech for Heroes program, something I am very proud to do.”
Typically held in person and serving veterans from specific geographic regions, the new online training format will allow for veterans nationwide to participate and gain tangible skills that can help them break into the tech industry, or upskill in their current role. Working in partnership with the national nonprofit VetsinTech, the four-week training will be taught by a certified instructor and students will receive a credential in proficiency upon completion.
“VetsinTech is honored to have the support of DraftKings which has allowed us to step up and offer even more superior training to our veterans and military spouses across the country,” said Katherine Webster, founder of VetsInTech. “Through this new format, they are able to take advantage of this “at-home time” which will help them land great jobs or learn new skills as we face this national crisis together and come back stronger than ever.”
Additionally, through the new partnership with ACP, the Tech for Heroes mentoring program will help veterans throughout the country transition to the private sector through one-on-one relationships with DraftKings employees. The year-long program is designed to assist veterans in their long-term career development through mentorship, networking, and career guidance.
“All of us at ACP are delighted that DraftKings has joined our team of companies supporting our transitioning veterans as they begin meaningful careers in the private sector,” said Colleen Deere, Executive Director of American Corporate Partners. “We look forward to introducing DraftKings mentors to our veterans as we all, together, help them achieve their professional goals.”
Since launching the “Tech for Heroes” program in the summer of 2018, DraftKings has invested over $1 million in providing free training to more than 200 veterans though classes hosted in six cities across the country. Throughout the year, DraftKings also holds charity fantasy sports contests with all proceeds going to support veterans and the Tech for Heroes program. In 2019, the DraftKings player community raised an additional $100,000 through four charity contests, which helped to expand the reach of the program to train additional veterans.
For additional information on the DraftKings Tech for Heroes program and to inquire about joining a class, please visit DraftKings Tech for Heroes.
About DraftKings
DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirits of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Headquartered in Boston, and launched in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator. DraftKings is a multi-channel provider of sports betting and gaming technologies, powering sports and gaming entertainment for 50+ operators across more than 15 regulated U.S. and global markets, including Arkansas and Oregon in the U.S. DraftKings’ Sportsbook offers mobile and retail betting for major U.S. and international sports and operates in the United States pursuant to regulations in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product is available in 8 countries internationally with 15 distinct sports categories. DraftKings is the official daily fantasy partner of the NFL as well as an authorized gaming operator of the MLB and NBA.
About VetsinTech
VetsinTech supports our current and returning veterans with re-integration services, and by connecting them to the national technology ecosystem. VIT is committed to bringing together a tech-specific network, resources, and programs for our veterans interested in Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employment – the 3E’s!
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