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VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

This annual program provides exemplary VFW members who are student veterans the opportunity to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill and in their community.

Make Your Voice Heard on Capitol Hill

Apply for the 2026–2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

About the Fellowship

Since 2014, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) Legislative Fellowship has empowered student veterans to engage directly with members of Congress on pressing veterans’ issues. Through this unique opportunity, Fellows sharpen their advocacy skills, connect with national leaders, and make a lasting impact on policy.

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Program Highlights

  • Collaborate with VFW and SVA on a shared legislative priority
  • Travel to the 19th Annual NatCon and the VFW Washington Conference in D.C.
  • Meet with congressional leadership and committee staff
  • Join VFW advocates from your state for team-based advocacy meetings
  • All travel costs covered, including airfare, lodging, per diem, and ground transportation
  • This program is open to all majors, and some may be eligible for college credits.  

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Be a current or eligible member of the VFW
  • Be enrolled at an accredited college or university during the fellowship
    • Provide proof of enrollment with an unofficial transcript, class schedule or letter from college)
  • Provide proof of military service (DD214 preferred) – redact your SSN before submitting

"The fellowship exceeded all my expectations, and it provided much more than I could have ever imagined in terms of experiences, learning, and relationships."

– Major Carl Chen, 2020 VFW-SVA Fellow

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Application Requirements

  • 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
  • Unofficial transcript or enrollment verification
  • Resume
  • Virtual or phone interview with the selection committee

Key Dates

  • Application Opens: August 1, 2026
  • Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
  • Program Duration: October 2026 – March 2027
  • Fellowship Travel – All travel expenses will be covered for both trips to include airfare, hotel accommodations, local transportation to/from meetings and a per diem allowance:
    • SVA 19th Annual NatCon in January 2027
    • VFW Washington Conference in Washington, D.C. in March 2027

Seize the opportunity to represent your peers and shape the future of veteran policy.

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