Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA)
Serves: Nationwide
Free 17-week technical training program from Microsoft Military Affairs preparing transitioning service members and veterans for careers in cloud development, cloud administration, and cybersecurity — fully Microsoft-funded, DOD SkillBridge approved.
Origin & mission
Microsoft launched MSSA in 2013 to address a structural gap: veterans possess enormous leadership and problem-solving capacity but lack the specific technical credentials that IT employers require. In January 2021, Microsoft committed to fully funding the program — making it free to all participants. MSSA has since expanded from a single U.S. offering to include European and Asia-Pacific cohorts, and a new Military Spouse track launched as a pilot in 2026.
Impact & scale
- Fully Microsoft-funded since 2021
- 3 technical tracks: Cloud Administration, Cloud Development, Cybersecurity
- 17-week full-time program
- DOD SkillBridge approved
Who they serve
Programs & application info
Server & Cloud Administration (SCA)
Eligible: Honorable discharge; within 180 days of separation for active duty
Materials cutoff 10 weeks before start — submit docs early. LinkedIn Learning prerequisite required. Free — fully funded by Microsoft.
Apply / learn moreCloud Application Development (CAD)
Eligible: Honorable discharge; entry-level IT welcome
Prerequisite: Software Development Fundamentals + C# cert from freeCodeCamp.
Apply / learn moreCybersecurity Operations (CSO)
Eligible: 1+ year cybersecurity experience required
More advanced track. Apply to SCA or CAD if under 1 yr experience.
Apply / learn moreMSSA – Military Spouse
Eligible: Spouses of active-duty or veteran service members
Pilot program. SCA learning path. Up to 14 participants.
Apply / learn more
Eligibility
- Discharge
- honorable
- Service era
- Any
- Separation window
- 180 days (active duty)
Practical detail
- Cost
- free
- How to access
- application
- Who they serve
- veterans, transitioning