Published Jul 2, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT

The service's new free program began July 1 and provides different types of support to military families.

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Published Jul 2, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT

The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday announced its new "SpouseWorks" program providing a plethora of free options to boost military service members' spouses in their career endeavors while bolstering family units in what can often be challenging lifestyles. The service said the program, which officially began July 1 and is being offered through Military OneSource’s SpouseWorks (formerly MySECO), is now providing eligible Coast Guard spouses with free access to professional career coaching, job search assistance, and online courses. "Every Coast Guard spouse has unique talents, aspirations, and professional ambitions," the Coast Guard said. "SpouseWorks empowers spouses to invest in their future through individualized support, career planning, and pathways to scholarships and that can help transform career goals into reality." Blue Star Families conducted a Military Family Lifestyle Survey in 2024, finding that about 77% of active-duty spouse respondents said two incomes are essential for their family’s well-being—an increase from 63% in 2019. Yet while military spouses participate in the workforce at nearly the same rate as civilians (71% versus 75%), 23% of active-duty spouses remain unemployed while an unknown number also are either underemployed or feeling overqualified or underpaid for their education or experience. Aside from emboldening spouses in their career aspirations, USCG said that the investment in families plays an important role to "strengthen family readiness, resilience and well-being" by helping spouses pursue education, professional credentials and career advancement opportunities.