Blue Star Families is a prominent American non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering military families.
Here are some key facts about Blue Star Families:
Mission: Their primary mission is to strengthen military families by connecting them with their local communities and providing resources to help them thrive.
They aim to bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. Who they serve: The organization serves active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, including spouses, children, and caregivers.
Key Programs and Initiatives: Blue Star Families offers a wide range of programs, including:
Blue Star Museums: A collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums across the country to offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families.
Blue Star Parks: A program that provides free access to national parks and other federal recreational areas.
Blue Star Careers: Resources and support for military spouse employment, a significant challenge for many military families due to frequent relocations.
Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey: This comprehensive survey gathers data on the challenges and experiences of military families, which is then used to inform policymakers and the public.
Community Chapters: They have numerous chapters across the United States and overseas to provide localized support and a sense of community for military families wherever they are stationed.
It's important to distinguish between "Blue Star Families" the organization and a "Blue Star Family." A Blue Star Family is a term that originated during World War I to designate a family with a member serving in the armed forces during a time of war or conflict.
How to claim your free subscription
Blue Star Families, through its Blue Star Careers program, periodically offers its members a fantastic opportunity to receive a free one-year subscription to Coursera. This can provide you with access to thousands of courses from top universities and companies, allowing you to earn professional certificates and learn new skills.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can access this benefit. Please note that this offer is often available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's a good idea to act promptly.
Step 1: Become a Member of Blue Star Families
Before you can access any of their exclusive perks, you need to be a member of Blue Star Families. Membership is free and open to a wide range of individuals connected to the military, as well as civilian supporters.
Eligibility for Blue Star Families Membership includes:
Active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members
Military and veteran family members (spouses, children, parents, siblings)
Veterans
Civilian supporters of the military community
How to Sign Up:
Visit the Blue Star Families website at bluestarfam.org.
Look for a "Join" or "Become a Member" button, which will direct you to their "Blue Star Neighborhood" platform.
You will need to fill out a registration form with your name, email address, and your connection to the military.
Step 2: Navigate the Blue Star Neighborhood
The "Blue Star Neighborhood" is the online portal and community for Blue Star Families members.
Once you have created your account and are logged in, take some time to explore the platform. Look for sections related to "Careers," "Programs," or "Events."
Step 3: Find and Register for the Coursera Offer
The free Coursera subscription is typically offered as a specific, time-sensitive event or announcement within the Blue Star Neighborhood.
Look for the "Events" Tab: In the Blue Star Neighborhood portal, navigate to the "Events" or a similarly named section.
Search for "Coursera": Use the search function within the events page and look for "Coursera Learning Access" or a similar title.
Register for the Offer: The offer will likely be set up as an "event" that you need to register for. This is how you express your interest and get on the list to receive access. Follow the instructions to complete the registration.
Step 4: Await Your Coursera Access
After you have registered your interest through the Blue Star Neighborhood platform, there will be a processing period.
You can typically expect to receive an email with instructions on how to activate your free one-year Coursera subscription within a few days to a week.
Keep an eye on the email address you used to register with Blue Star Families, including your spam or junk folder.
Important Considerations:
Availability: This is a popular offer with a limited number of available spots. It is not guaranteed to be active at all times. If you don't see it listed under the events, check back periodically or look for announcements from Blue Star Families.
First-Come, First-Served: Due to the high demand, access is usually granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For New Coursera Users: In the past, this offer has been intended for those who do not already have a paid Coursera subscription through another non-profit.
Stay Active: To maintain your free access for the full year, you may be required to show that your Coursera account is being actively used.
By following these steps, you can take advantage of this valuable professional development opportunity offered by Blue Star Families to the military and veteran community.
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