Student Veterans of America Applications Open for 2025–2026 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2025) — Student Veterans of America (SVA), in partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship. Now in its 11th year, this prestigious fellowship empowers student veterans to bring their ideas and voices directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Each year, the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship selects a cohort of exceptional student veterans to research, develop, and advocate for federal policy proposals that support the veteran and military-affiliated community. Fellows will attend and participate in three in-person events as part of the fellowship experience:
- SVA Leadership Institute in October 2025, an immersive professional development event focused on executive-level skill building, values-based leadership, and community impact for emerging student veteran leaders.
- Student Veterans of America’s National Conference (NatCon) in January 2026, where they will be recognized on stage and connect with thousands of fellow student veterans, partners, and supporters from across the country.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Legislative Conference in March 2026, where fellows will join their VFW Department delegation for meetings with members of Congress to advocate for their proposals and gain experience in policy and government relations.
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As part of the application, you’ll submit a brief essay outlining your plan to advocate for a legislative priority by highlighting your approach, methods, and strategies to create meaningful impact. Eligible applicants must be current or eligible members of the VFW and enrolled at an accredited college or university. Applications are due by Friday, September 12, 2025. Interested student veterans can learn more and apply at: https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/vfw-sva-legislative-fellowship/
Since its launch in 2014, the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship has helped shape the careers of dozens of student veterans who have gone on to serve in public office, lead nonprofit initiatives, and drive policy change nationwide. Alumni of the program include local government leaders, national advocates, and senior executives across the veteran services space.
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About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of over 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing nearly 600,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.
About the VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in over 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information, or to join, visit our website at vfw.org.