2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Applications Now Open

WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are now accepting applications from student veterans interested in participating in the upcoming 2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program. Since 2014, the fellowship has brought select student veterans, who must be VFW members or membership eligible, to Washington, D.C., to meet face to face with their senators, representatives and staff members.

Student veterans interested in applying must complete an application package that includes a 3-5 page essay and a 30-60 second video outlining program interest. Applicants must also submit a resume, proof of current enrollment at an accredited college or university and proof of military service. Candidates will participate in a virtual or phone interview with the selection committee.

"When I say, 'One team, one mission, veterans first,' this is what I'm talking about," said VFW National Commander Cory Geisler. "The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program is a prime example of VFW members stepping forward to rally around a common goal and lead not only on Capitol Hill but also on their campuses and in their communities as they seek to improve the lives of current and future student veterans."

Past fellows have earned academic credit for their experience, found internships, accepted additional academic opportunities and landed full-time employment because of their fellowship experience. Several fellows have even had their research incorporated into laws, which has a lasting impact on veterans, service members and their families.

VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship opportunities are open to all enrolled student veterans who are VFW members or eligible for membership. VFW eligibility criteria can be found here. The program is open to all majors, and some students may be eligible for college credit.

"The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship gives student veterans the opportunity to turn their lived experiences into meaningful action," said SVA President and Chief Executive Officer Cory Boatwright. "Through mentorship, advocacy training, community engagement, and direct interaction with policymakers, fellows learn how to transform the challenges facing their communities into meaningful, bipartisan policy solutions. Together with the VFW, we're developing the next generation of student veteran advocates, strengthening the voice of the veteran community, and ensuring those who have served have a seat at the table where decisions about their futures are made."

The 2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program is scheduled from October 2026 to May 2027. Chosen fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority and participate in the 19th Annual SVA National Conference in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 4 - 6, 2027. Fellows will also travel to Washington, D.C., for the VFW Washington Conference, Feb. 27 - March 4, 2027, where they will join more than 500 VFW advocates to bring veterans' priorities directly to Capitol Hill.

Travel expenses will be covered for both trips including airfare, hotel accommodations, on-site transportation to/from meetings and a per diem allowance.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 15, 2026. For full details about the VFW-SVA fellowship and to apply, visit VFW.org/StudentFellowship or contact Gabby Kubinyi, VFW, at [email protected] or Faisal Sulman, SVA, at [email protected].

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is another example of the strong collaboration between the VFW and SVA that resulted from a memorandum of understanding signed by the two organizations at the SVA National Conference in January 2013.