Lifting Barriers: USAA and ASYMCA Bring Childcare Relief to Military Spouses

Military service members can sometimes experience several Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves throughout their careers, which means a new command and a clear mission. But for the military spouse – whose resilience we celebrate this Military Spouse Appreciation Day – a PCS not only means constantly picking up their entire life and moving away from family and friends but also their career.

Since launching the Honor Through Action initiative on Veterans Day 2025, USAA has been spearheading a national movement to care for those who serve by deploying capital, shaping policy and embedding advocacy across the association’s operations and philanthropy. Now, USAA is proud to announce one of the most significant programs to come out of this initiative since its launch: a new childcare partnership designed to help military spouses focus on their careers without compromising on family care.

The hidden cost of relocation

Alongside every service member is a family that serves with them, navigating the silent sacrifices of military life. For many spouses, relocating means leaving behind a hard-earned job, professional networks, a reliable support system and established childcare. Upon arriving at a new duty station, the immediate challenge of re-entering the workforce often hinges on finding accessible, quality childcare.

Without a safe place for their children, tasks like updating resumes, attending networking events, or scheduling job interviews are nearly impossible. The numbers paint a stark reality: According to the Department of Defense 2024 Active-Duty Spouse Survey, having children increases the odds of military spouse unemployment by 47%. For those with a child under 6 years of age, the odds of unemployment jump by a staggering 68%. The gap in childcare services does not just cause temporary stress; it creates long-term financial instability and stalls the professional growth of our nation’s most resilient and adaptable workers.

Bridging the gap with ASYMCA

Recognizing the immense talent and unwavering dedication of military spouses, USAA is proud to announce an investment in a new initiative as part of its 10-plus-year partnership with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA). A unique, first-of-its-kind effort, this program – backed by a $1.45 million grant from the USAA Foundation – is is designed to address a national childcare crisis disproportionately impacting military spouses and provide real solutions with a multifaceted approach.

• Mission Watch: A targeted program offering no-cost, drop-in childcare for military spouses actively seeking employment. Childcare services will first launch at three major military installations: Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas; Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas; and Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Selected based on existing ASYMCA infrastructure and high military population density, this early childhood program features dedicated slots for toddler and preschool-age children. Families can sign up for two-hour slots during traditional working hours, providing spouses with uninterrupted time to focus on their job search. Additionally, as part of the Honor Through Action Alliance, Amazon will support these pilot locations by donating much-needed supplies to help the drop-in childcare programs operate smoothly during peak demand.

“We know that PCS moves bring immense logistical and emotional challenges for military families, especially for spouses who often put their own careers on hold," said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, head of corporate impact at USAA. "This no-cost drop-in childcare program is designed to be a lifeline, giving spouses the time, resources and peace of mind they need to successfully re-enter the workforce and continue their professional journeys."

• Innovation Lab: In addition to quality childcare services, this investment will include an innovation lab where the ASYMCA intends to develop pre-competitive working groups with both for-profit and nonprofit leaders in early childhood education. The lab will conduct research to identify policy gaps and explore long-term, systemic solutions — empowering military spouses to achieve meaningful careers while strengthening the childcare workforce.
  
  

• Early Childhood Education Fellowship: USAA funding will help the ASYMCA educate and employ military spouses, creating a much-needed talent pipeline in childcare. Beginning at ASYMCA centers in Hampton Roads, Virginia, the program will consist of three annual cohorts of 12, serving 36 military spouses per year. The fellowship provides paid, on-the-job training supported by access to federal training databases, culminating in preparation for the nationally portable Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.

"Whether out on the battlefield or in an office, it is imperative that our military service members and their spouses are able to focus on their careers knowing their children are in trusted care," added retired Navy Adm. William French, president and CEO of ASYMCA. “This new fellowship program will allow us to expand these vital childcare services and create direct employment opportunities for more military spouses."

Gratitude this Military Appreciation Month

USAA’s mission has always been to stand by the military community through every chapter of their lives. One of its three core pillars for Honor Through Action focuses on meaningful careers — reinforcing the value of veterans’ and military spouses’ experiences in the workplace and helping them thrive.