Veteran's Back To Work Boot Camp
2026 Program Information

‍

‍

‍

2026 Employment Program to Provide Free Training, Mentoring, and Professional Equipment to 20 Applicants

The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry is bringing back its 10th Annual Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp! The selected veterans & military spouses will receive the tools they need to transition into the job force.

We are searching for military veterans/active duty members and spouses to apply for this transformative opportunity. The Chamber, along with several human resource representatives and veteran business leaders from area companies, will select 20 applicants in August. Upon completion, each participant will receive a career-enhancing gift package valued at more than $10,000.00 (see list below). The remaining applications will be shared with the committee for hiring consideration and will be invited to a future Career Fair.

Qualifications

You qualify if you are an active duty service member or military veteran. You also qualify if you are a spouse of an active duty service member or military veteran. Five of the selected 20 applicants will be spouses of military members for our 2026 program.

Please also be available these 2026 dates:

• This course will take place September 2nd through November 11th, every Wednesday evening, 5:30 P.M-8:30 P.M. There is only one excused absence permitted, so please make sure you are available in this time frame.
• Graduation will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, beginning at 5:30 P.M. at the American Legion in Des Plaines. Graduates will also receive their gifts at this time, so please be present.

Benefits

Each participant selected to participate in the program will receive:

• Personalized resume and interview training package (NEW this year, professionally printed resumes & personalized business cards)
• Professional and personal development training
• Career coaching and mentoring
• The opportunity to attend exclusive networking events
• The opportunity to participate in a community service project that showcases their job skills.

Those who complete the Veteran's Back-to-Work Boot Camp and graduate in November will also receive:

• A high-end personal laptop, complete with Microsoft Office package
• Gift cards to help them begin their career path
• Additional products and services from the program’s sponsors

Timeline

• Applications open on May 25th, 2026 (Memorial Day)
• Applications close July 7th, 2026
• Applicants will be notified mid-August of their status
• Boot camp will start on September 2nd and end November 11th, 2026
• The Veteran's Boot Camp Career Fair will be on November 4th, 2026
• Graduation will be held on will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, beginning at 5:30 P.M.; optional dinner will be served at 5 P.M.

How To Apply

Click the button below!

If you have any questions, please contact us at (847) 824-4200 or via email alombardo@dpchamber.com