VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027 gives student veterans an opportunity to develop veteran advocacy and leadership skills, work alongside VFW and SVA staff, and gain firsthand experience in shaping veterans’ policy. The fellowship runs from October 2026 to May 2027 and includes fully covered travel for major advocacy events in Texas and Washington, D.C.

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027 is a joint initiative of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) designed to help student veterans strengthen their advocacy skills and become more effective leaders in the veteran community.

The partnership has operated since 2014, providing student veterans with opportunities to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill and represent veteran interests within their communities.

For the 2026–2027 fellowship cycle, selected fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority while gaining practical exposure to the development and advancement of veterans’ policy.

The programme is scheduled to run from October 2026 through May 2027.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Selected fellows will have the opportunity to:

Work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority.
Develop practical advocacy skills.
Learn how veterans’ policy is shaped.
Participate in advocacy activities connected to veterans’ priorities.
Represent student veterans and veteran communities.
Attend the SVA National Conference.
Participate in the VFW Washington Conference.
Engage with VFW advocates and policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Build leadership experience in the veteran advocacy space.

Fellows will attend the 19th Annual SVA National Conference in Grapevine, Texas, from January 4–6, 2027.

They will also travel to Washington, D.C., for the VFW Washington Conference, scheduled for February 27–March 4, 2027. During the Washington conference, fellows will join more than 500 VFW advocates in bringing veterans’ priorities directly to Capitol Hill.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants must provide proof that they are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university during the fellowship programme.

Acceptable evidence of enrollment may include:

An unofficial academic transcript
Class schedule
Letter from the educational institution
Other acceptable proof of current enrollment

The fellowship is open to all academic majors, and some participants may be eligible to receive college credit.

Experience

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in veteran advocacy and leadership.

The application requires a 3–5 page essay explaining:

Why veteran advocacy is important to the applicant.
How the applicant plans to use existing networks to advance advocacy goals.
How their current experience influences their approach to advocacy.
How participating in the fellowship will help them develop as a leader in the veteran community.

Applicants must also submit a 30–60 second video explaining their interest in the fellowship, what attracts them to the programme, how it connects with their personal and professional goals, and what they hope to gain and contribute.

A resume is also required.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates will be evaluated based on several criteria, including:

Current VFW membership or eligibility for VFW membership.
Current enrollment at an accredited college or university during the fellowship.
Proof of military service.
Interest and potential in veteran advocacy.
Quality of the required essay and video submission.
Resume and overall application.
Performance during the virtual or telephone interview with the selection committee.

Applicants must provide proof of military service, with a DD214 Member 4 copy preferred, according to the programme information.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides valuable professional and leadership development opportunities for student veterans.

Participants can gain:

Veteran advocacy experience.
Exposure to veterans’ policymaking.
Leadership development.
Networking opportunities.
Experience working with VFW and SVA staff.
Opportunities to engage with policymakers and veteran advocates.
Potential academic credit for eligible students.

Travel Support

Travel expenses are covered for the two major fellowship trips.

The support includes:

Airfare
Hotel accommodation
Local transportation to and from meetings
Per diem allowance

This applies to the fellows’ travel to the SVA National Conference in Texas and the VFW Washington Conference in Washington, D.C.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

Proof of current VFW membership or eligibility.
Proof of current college or university enrollment.
Proof of military service.
A 3–5 page advocacy-focused essay.
A 30–60 second fellowship-interest video.
Resume.
Participation in a virtual or telephone interview if selected.

Applicants should ensure that their essay and video clearly demonstrate their motivation, advocacy interests, leadership potential and understanding of the fellowship’s purpose.

Additional Information

The fellowship is specifically designed for student veterans, making military service and current enrollment central components of eligibility.

The programme does not restrict participation according to academic major. Students from different fields can therefore apply if they satisfy the fellowship requirements.

The 2026–2027 programme is scheduled to run for approximately eight months, from October 2026 to May 2027.

The two major travel opportunities provide fellows with direct exposure to national-level veteran advocacy. The Washington Conference is particularly significant because participants will join hundreds of VFW advocates in bringing veterans’ priorities to Capitol Hill.

Final Thoughts

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027 is an opportunity for student veterans who want to develop their advocacy, policy and leadership skills while contributing to issues affecting the veteran community.

The fellowship combines practical policy experience, professional development, networking and national advocacy exposure. Selected fellows will also receive covered travel expenses for the two major conferences in Texas and Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should carefully prepare the required essay, short video, resume, enrollment evidence and military-service documentation before applying.

Official application and programme information: VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

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