Applications are open for the 2026–2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, a leadership and advocacy opportunity designed specifically for student veterans who want to strengthen their understanding of veterans’ policy and make their voices heard in Washington, D.C.
Since 2014, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) have partnered to provide student veterans with opportunities to develop advocacy skills and represent veterans in their communities.
The 2026–2027 fellowship will run from October 2026 through May 2027.
VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship |
| Fellowship Period | October 2026 – May 2027 |
| Host Organizations | Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America |
| Target Group | Student veterans |
| Academic Majors | All majors |
| Location | United States, including Washington, D.C. |
| Eligibility | Current VFW members or those eligible for VFW membership |
| Travel Support | Covered for required fellowship trips |
| Selection Process | Application, essay, video, resume, and interview |
About the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship
The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship gives student veterans an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in veterans’ advocacy and policymaking.
Selected fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority throughout the fellowship.
The program is designed to help participants understand how veterans’ policies are developed while giving them an opportunity to contribute to advocacy efforts.
The fellowship also provides opportunities to connect with other advocates and participate directly in major veterans’ events.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates will be evaluated based on several requirements and application components.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Current VFW Membership
Applicants must have current VFW membership or be eligible for VFW membership.
Current Enrollment
Applicants must provide proof that they are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university during the fellowship period.
Acceptable proof may include:
- An unofficial transcript
- Class schedule
- Letter from the school
- Other appropriate enrollment documentation
Proof of Military Service
Applicants must provide proof of military service.
The VFW identifies the DD214 Member 4 copy as the preferred document.
Applicants should take care to protect sensitive personal information when submitting military documentation.
All Academic Majors Are Eligible
The fellowship is open to students from all majors.
Some participants may also be eligible to receive college credit.
Application Requirements
Applicants will need to prepare several components as part of their application.
1. Essay
Applicants must submit a 3–5 page essay addressing several areas.
The essay should explain:
- Why veteran advocacy is important to you.
- How you plan to use your existing networks to advance your advocacy goals.
- How your current level of experience influences your approach.
- How the fellowship will help you grow as a leader in the veteran community.
This essay provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their motivation, leadership potential, and understanding of veteran advocacy.
2. Video Submission
Applicants must submit a 30–60 second video explaining their interest in the fellowship.
The video should discuss:
- What attracts you to the fellowship.
- How the program aligns with your personal goals.
- How the program aligns with your professional goals.
- What you hope to gain from participating.
- What you hope to contribute as a fellow.
Applicants are encouraged to follow the VFW-SVA video submission instructions when preparing their video.
3. Resume
Applicants must submit a current resume highlighting their education, military background, professional experience, leadership activities, advocacy experience and other relevant achievements.
4. Interview
Candidates may be invited to participate in a virtual or phone interview with the selection committee.
The interview provides the committee with an opportunity to learn more about the applicant and assess their suitability for the fellowship.
What Will Fellows Do?
Selected fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff throughout the fellowship period.
Their work will focus on a shared policy priority.
The experience is intended to provide practical exposure to veterans’ advocacy and the process through which veterans’ policy is shaped.
Participants will also have opportunities to represent veterans’ interests and strengthen their advocacy skills.
Fellowship Schedule
The 2026–2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is scheduled to run from:
October 2026 to May 2027
During the fellowship, selected participants will take part in major events, including the SVA National Conference and the VFW Washington Conference.
SVA National Conference
Fellows will attend and participate in the 19th Annual SVA National Conference in:
Grapevine, Texas
January 4–6, 2027
This provides fellows with an opportunity to engage with student veterans and other stakeholders involved in veterans’ education and advocacy.
VFW Washington Conference
Fellows will also travel to Washington, D.C., for the VFW Washington Conference.
The conference is scheduled for:
February 27 – March 4, 2027
During the conference, fellows will join more than 500 VFW advocates in bringing veterans’ priorities directly to Capitol Hill.
This experience provides selected fellows with direct exposure to legislative advocacy and engagement with policymakers.
Travel Expenses Are Covered
Travel expenses associated with both required conference trips will be covered.
According to the provided fellowship information, covered travel expenses include:
- Airfare
- Hotel accommodations
- Local transportation to and from meetings
- Per diem allowance
This support allows selected fellows to participate in the required events without having to bear the listed travel expenses themselves.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should make sure every part of their application clearly communicates their interest in veteran advocacy and leadership.
Focus Your Essay on Your Advocacy Experience
Rather than simply describing your military or academic background, explain how your experiences have shaped your interest in veterans’ advocacy.
Discuss specific issues that matter to you and how you have already contributed to your community or veteran networks.
Demonstrate Leadership Potential
The fellowship is designed to help participants grow as leaders in the veteran space.
Use your essay and video to demonstrate examples of:
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Initiative
- Collaboration
Make Your Video Direct
The video is only 30–60 seconds, so applicants should communicate their main points clearly and efficiently.
Explain why you want the fellowship, what you hope to accomplish, and what you can contribute.
Keep Your Resume Relevant
Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute to an advocacy-focused fellowship.
Relevant areas may include military service, student leadership, community engagement, volunteer work, advocacy, professional experience, and organizational involvement.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have prepared:
- Current VFW membership or confirmation of eligibility for VFW membership
- Proof of current enrollment
- Proof of military service
- 3–5 page advocacy essay
- 30–60 second video
- Current resume
- Availability for a virtual or phone interview
- Availability to participate in the October 2026–May 2027 fellowship
- Availability for the required 2027 conferences
Why Apply for the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship?
The fellowship offers student veterans an opportunity to combine their educational experience and military background with practical advocacy work.
Selected fellows can develop a deeper understanding of veterans’ policy, work with established veterans’ organizations and participate in advocacy activities at the national level.
The Washington, D.C., component is particularly valuable for students interested in public policy, government, veterans’ affairs, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or public service.
Final Thoughts
The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027 provides student veterans with an opportunity to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills while gaining firsthand experience in veterans’ policymaking.
The fellowship runs from October 2026 through May 2027, with selected fellows participating in major events in Texas and Washington, D.C.
Applicants should prepare their essay, video, resume, enrollment documentation, and proof of military service carefully and be prepared to participate in the selection interview.
For questions about the fellowship, applicants can contact the VFW at vfwac@vfw.org.
SEO Keywords
VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 2026-2027, VFW SVA Legislative Fellowship, VFW-SVA Fellowship 2026, VFW fellowship 2027, Student Veterans of America fellowship, VFW student veteran fellowship, legislative fellowship for veterans, student veteran scholarships and fellowships, veterans advocacy fellowship, veteran leadership fellowship, VFW legislative fellowship application, VFW SVA fellowship eligibility, VFW SVA fellowship requirements, student veteran opportunities 2026, student veteran opportunities 2027, veterans policy fellowship, Washington DC fellowship for veterans, fellowships for student veterans, veterans advocacy opportunities, VFW student fellowship, SVA student fellowship, U.S. veteran fellowships, leadership opportunities for student veterans.
ALSO CHECK
Fully Funded Mitacs Globalink 2027 Is Officially Open
DAAD Young Ambassadors 2027 Program | How To Apply
Apply now: Jonathan Larson Grant Program (US)
Follow Us On Our Social Media Platforms
WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUYDUNb8GCx4V2QqkBoiuq?mode=ems_copy_t
WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb60pjHL2ATw5rPOEw2l
Facebook Page:
