Written By
June 2, 2025
January 14, 2025
Reston, VA — October 15, 2025 — Golden Key Group (GKG), a leader in federal human capital and workforce transformation solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with Barton Community College to launch the nation’s first Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Federal Human Resources.
This groundbreaking program establishes a formal pathway into federal HR careers for transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses, providing them with the skills and credentials to thrive in public service.
“For more than two decades, GKG has supported federal agencies and employees through comprehensive HR solutions and workforce development programs,” said Donnielle DeMesme, GKG’s Vice President of Leadership and Development. “This degree represents the next evolution of that mission, empowering servicemembers, and their families to turn their experience into opportunity.”
The program was built through a year-long collaboration between GKG’s federal HR experts, Barton’s academic leadership, and GKG’s elite Instructional Design team. The curriculum reflects the unique demands of the federal HR environment and prepares students to enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact.
Choosing Barton Community College as the academic partner was intentional. Located near Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth, two prominent military installations in Kansas, Barton maintains dedicated campuses at each location that provide educational and training programs tailored to soldiers and their families. This strong connection to the military community ensures the program reaches those who can benefit most from this new career path.
“This milestone represents more than a credential. It marks the beginning of a new era in federal HR education,” said Gretchen McCracken, CEO of Golden Key Group. “We’re proud to work alongside Barton to strengthen the federal workforce and help military families achieve lasting career success.”
Click to learn more about the Federal Human Resources Associate of Arts degree today!
