In keeping with the VFW's commitment to student veterans' success, every year the VFW teams up with Student Veterans of America (SVA) to host the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, providing exemplary VFW members who are student veterans the opportunity to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill and in their community.
Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
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Submission of an essay and short video proposal based on one of four priority issues for the veterans’ community
- VFW membership eligibility
- Current enrollment at an accredited college or university
- Any major is eligible to apply and some majors are eligible for academic credit
Student veterans interested in applying must complete an application package that includes an essay and video proposal on one of four specific legislative issues. The proposal should include a discussion of why the issue is important to the veteran community, and how the fellowship candidate plans to address the issue through federal policy solutions and community-based advocacy. Selected fellows will attend SVA National Conference in Orlando, Florida in January; and will be flown to Washington, D.C., to ensure the veterans’ voice is delivered to Capitol Hill alongside 500 fellow veteran advocates as part of the annual VFW Legislative Conference held in March.
VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship opportunities are open to VFW members in good standing who are currently enrolled as students at accredited colleges and universities approved for GI Bill benefits. Visit vfw.org/Eligibility for more information on membership. Student veterans enrolled at colleges and universities with active SVA chapters are also encouraged to apply.
Visit studentveterans.org/chapters/find-a-chapter/ to find a chapter near you.
For the application essay and video proposal, applicants must select one of the following veterans’ issues to write about:
- Student veteran success on campus and beyond
- Improving veteran’s health care and benefits
- Transition from military to civilian life
- Challenges for service members and military families
Expenses covered for the fellowship include airfare, hotel accommodations, local transportation to/from meetings and a per diem allowance to participate in the VFW Legislative Conference.
Certain components of the 2023 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, including but not limited to in-person interactions and events, are subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates.
The application period for the 2023 Legislative Fellowship class is currently closed. Check back in August 2023 for more information on the 2024 application period.
If you have questions on the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, please contact us.