ALCOAST 201/26 - JUL 2026 SPOUSEWORKS PROGRAM FOR COAST GUARD SPOUSES INITIAL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY

R 021305Z JUL 26  MID120041359642U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 201/26
SSIC 1754
SUBJ: SPOUSEWORKS PROGRAM FOR COAST GUARD SPOUSES INITIAL
OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY
1. Purpose. This ALCOAST announces the Initial Operation Capability
(IOC) of Coast Guard spouse access to the Military OneSource,
SpouseWorks program and early access to the Get Career Advice and
Udemy online courses as of 1 July 2026.
2. Background. Every Coast Guard spouse has unique talents,
aspirations, and professional ambitions. SpouseWorks empowers
spouses to invest in their future through individualized support,
career planning and pathways to scholarships and fellowships that
can help transform career goals into reality. Moreover, the Coast
Guard recognizes that spouse employment and career fulfillment are
critical components of family readiness. SpouseWorks represents a
meaningful Coast Guard investment in uniformed members' families by
providing professional career development resources tailored to the
unique challenges of military life. By helping spouses pursue
education, professional credentials, and career advancement
opportunities, SpouseWorks strengthens the resilience and
well-being of Coast Guard families across the Service.
3. SpouseWorks Overview. SpouseWorks, formerly known as the Spouse
Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program, is a program
under the Department of War and provides no-cost career services to
help military spouses achieve their education and employment goals.
SpouseWorks at IOC is designed to help military spouses:
    a. Grow skills. SpouseWorks offers a range of resources to help
spouses build expertise and credentials, including:
        (1) Udemy online courses and structured learning paths.
        (2) SpouseWorks Scholarship Finder to identify additional
education funding opportunities.
    b. Get career advice. SpouseWorks connects military spouses
with professional career coaches and tools at no cost, including:
        (1) On-demand resume reviews.
        (2) One-on-one career coaching sessions.
        (3) Tailored coaching packages focused on specific goals such
as re-entering the workforce or career transitions.
        (4) Career assessments to help clarify interests, strengths,
and career paths.
        (5) Video mock interviews with feedback to build confidence
and improve interview performance.
    c. Find a job. SpouseWorks supports military spouses in
identifying and securing employment opportunities through:
        (1) Military Spouse Employer Partnership job connections.
        (2) The SpouseWorks job board.
        (3) Job Search Navigator services to assist with targeted job
searches and applications.
        (4) FlexJobs access for flexible and remote-friendly
opportunities.
4. SpouseWorks is being fielded through phased implementation.
Full Operating Capability (FOC) is scheduled to be achieved when the
SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) and SpouseWorks Fellowship
(formerly Career Accelerator) become available to Coast Guard
spouses as funding permits.
    a. The SpouseWorks Scholarship is a tuition assistance and
credentialing benefit that helps eligible spouses pursue licenses,
certifications, and associate degrees in high-demand fields.
    b. The SpouseWorks Fellowship provides time-limited,
career-focused fellowship opportunities designed to build
experience and professional networks.
    c. Additional guidance will be provided in a subsequent
ALCOAST once dates and eligibility parameters are finalized.
5. IOC Program Eligibility. The following spouses are eligible:
    a. Spouses of active-duty;
    b. Spouses of Selected Reserve members;
    c. Spouses of members who have been separated for less than
365 days; and,
    d. Surviving spouses of members who died on active duty.
6. Eligible Coast Guard spouses may connect with SpouseWorks in the
following ways:
    a. Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 and ask to be
connected to SpouseWorks services.
    b. Visit the Military OneSource website and follow the prompts
for spouse career support and SpouseWorks services.
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/coast-guard-info/

    c. Visit the SpouseWorks website to learn more about available
services, schedule time with a career coach, and access online tools
and resources:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://spouseworks.militaryonesource.mil/portal/article/coast-
guard-eligibility

7. Action.
    a. Commands, Transition, Relocation and Spouse Employment
Coordinators, Employee Assistance Specialists/Coordinators,
Work-Life staff, Education Services Officers, Ombudsman
Coordinators, and Ombudsmen: Review SpouseWorks resources and
eligibility requirements.
    b. Commands and Work-Life staff: Share this information
through unit communication channels so spouses are aware of the
availability of SpouseWorks and the phased implementation at FOC
for the SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) and SpouseWorks
Fellowship (formerly Career Accelerator).
    c. Members and spouses should retain the Military OneSource
phone number, 800-342-9647, and the SpouseWorks website above for
direct access to services.
8. Points of Contact.
    a. For Coast Guard policy and implementation questions, contact
the EAP Program Office (CG-WFS-1) at USCG-EAP@uscg.mil.
    b. For general information about SpouseWorks, spouses may
contact Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or reference information
available through the Military OneSource and SpouseWorks websites.
9. B. A. Sanchez, Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family
Services (CG-WFS), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.