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VFW legislative advocacy ↗
Student veterans · National opportunity

VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship

A national learning opportunity for student veterans to develop policy research and advocacy skills.

2026–2027 · applications close September 15

The fellowship runs October 2026–May 2027. Selected fellows attend the SVA conference in Grapevine, Texas, January 4–6, 2027, and the VFW Washington Conference in Washington, D.C., February 27–March 4, 2027. These are fellowship obligations, not Post 12239 trips.

Who is eligible

Student veterans of any major who are VFW members or membership eligible and enrolled at an accredited college or university during the fellowship.

Entry requirements & materials

  • A 3–5 page essay explaining your interest in veteran advocacy, experience, networks and leadership goals.
  • A 30–60 second video about your interest, goals and proposed contribution.
  • A résumé, proof of enrollment and proof of military service. Follow the official SVA redaction example when preparing a DD214.
  • A virtual or phone interview is part of selection.

How and where to submit

Apply through the national VFW fellowship page by September 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT (America/New_York). If its application control is unavailable, contact the national program immediately for the secure application route. Do not submit service records or applications to this website. There are no Post or Georgia selection stages.

Awards & support

Selected fellows receive covered airfare, hotel, meeting transportation and a per diem for the two required trips. Academic credit depends on the institution; selection and credit are not guaranteed.

Deadlines & stages

Apply directly to the national organizer. No Post acceptance or judging stage applies. All calendar dates below use America/New_York; a cutoff time is shown only when the source publishes one.

National

Fellowship application deadline

Submit through the national program by 11:59 p.m. EDT. This deadline does not involve a Post 12239 submission or nomination.

Official stage deadline ↗
View the calendar

Forms & complete rules

These summaries help you prepare; read the complete official rules before entering.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-09-09.

Information is reviewed manually. Check the organizer’s current information before making plans or submitting.