Since 2014, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) have partnered to give student veterans the opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills, make their voices heard on Capitol Hill, and represent veterans in their communities.
That partnership continues with the 2026–2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, giving the next class of student veterans the opportunity to learn firsthand how veterans’ policy is shaped and how they can help shape it.
Candidates will undergo evaluation based on the following criteria:
- Current VFW membership (or eligible for VFW membership)
- Proof of current enrollment (e.g. unofficial transcript, class schedule, letter from school, etc.) at an accredited college or university during the fellowship program
- Proof of military service (DD214-member 4 copy, preferred). Click here to make sure you are protecting your personal information on your DD214.
- Program is open to all majors, and some students may be eligible for college credit
- 3–5 page essay to describe the importance of veteran advocacy to you, how you plan to leverage your existing networks to advance your advocacy goals, how your current level of experience shapes your approach, and how this fellowship will help you grow as a leader in the veteran space
- 30–60 second video describing your interest in this fellowship program, including what draws you to it, how it aligns with your personal and professional goals, and what you hope to gain and contribute as a participant. For help with your video submission, click here.
- Resume
- Virtual or phone interview with the selection committee
The 2026/2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program is scheduled from October 2026 to May 2027. Chosen fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority. Selected fellows will attend and participate in the 19th Annual SVA National Conference in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 4 – 6, 2027. Fellows will also travel to Washington, D.C., for the VFW Washington Conference, Feb. 27 – March 4, 2027, where they will join more than 500 VFW advocates to bring veterans’ priorities directly to Capitol Hill.
Travel expenses will be covered for both trips to include airfare, hotel accommodations, local transportation to/from meetings and a per diem allowance.
If you have questions on the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, please contact us.