Veteran Fellowship Program
The Veteran Fellowship Program is a place for impact driven, entrepreneurial change makers with a bold vision and the tenacity to do the hard work needed for societal and policy change in their communities and beyond. To see the current class of Veteran Fellows, click here.
The Veteran Fellowship Program application is now open. Submissions are due by August 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
PROGRAM DESIGN
The Bochnowski Family Veteran Fellowship Program (VFP) is an accelerator for policy problem-solvers—veterans ready to advance ideas for impact. The program provides Veteran Fellows time to consolidate thinking on a problem, the space to collaborate and expand stakeholder networks, and the momentum to move the policy needle. The VFP celebrates those veterans willing to be bold and innovate in challenging areas central to the well-being and success of our communities, networks, and nation.
The VFP integrates the ‘ideas advancing freedom’ mission of the Hoover Institution with veterans who exemplify the credibility and talent of the military. The program seeks to bring greater innovation and action to policy awareness and implementation. Veterans’ unique grasp of the country’s ideals, their personal initiative, and their wide networks create conditions where sound policy ideas can take hold.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
The program is designed for military veterans who want to effect meaningful change. The VFP welcomes veterans who exemplify the following characteristics: persistence, flexibility, humility, collegiality, and personal inspiration for the goal they seek.
The program is open to veterans who served on active duty within the last twenty-five years and are successful mid-career practitioners with a desire to lead in their communities and a commitment to promoting ideas and actions for free societies. Candidates must come with impactful ideas and the drive to deliver results. Each veteran should possess the self-motivation, professional network, and vision to pursue their innovative project. Hoover is interested in applications from former enlisted members and officers; those separated or retired from service; those current or former reservists.
Veteran Fellows in the VFP will participate in up to five in-person engagements as well as virtual sessions throughout the year. Veteran Fellows will produce a capstone that advances their work on a chosen topic across their networks and communities. Hoover Fellows and advisory council members may offer guidance and consultation.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
The program provides time and a platform for Veteran Fellows to undertake a capstone to develop actionable solutions to challenges in the United States (at the local, state, or national level). Capstones should provide a real-world framework that reflects deep mastery of the problem and proposes informed approaches to policy improvement. They are intended to be actionable and not academic research. Topics are defined at the discretion of the Veteran Fellow, articulated in the application process, and refined at the first in-person gathering in November.
ADMINISTRATION
The Selection Committee is composed of Hoover Fellows and members of Hoover’s network. The committee selects program participants and recommends the cohort for each year to the director of the Hoover Institution for approval.
APPLICATION
Only those who meet the following requirements should move forward with this application:
- US military veterans (e.g. separated, retired, or in the select reserve) from Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard, or Space Force; and
- Served on active duty within the last twenty-five years (including at least 18 months on active duty on or after September 11, 2001); for those in the National Guard, their service must include at least one period of Title 10 federal activation.
Required Materials
Online Application: The online application requires you to provide 1) Contact info; 2) Details about your professional and military background; and 3) Answers to program-specific questions.
Resume or CV: You will upload a copy of your most recent professional resume or CV. (PDF)
DD214: You will upload a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. (PDF file recommended)
Letters of Recommendation: You will need to provide at least two but no more than three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from professional associates or colleagues from volunteer or nonprofit endeavors who can speak to your experience and the impact of your work. One letter should be associated with your place of employment. Please do not submit letters of recommendation from family or friends, or VFP alumni. Letters must be uploaded within the application form. (PDF files recommended)
Video Submission: Please shoot a two-minute video using your webcam or phone. In these two minutes, pitch yourself to the application committee: What exactly is the problem you are seeking to solve? Why are you of all people in the world the right person to tackle this? How will you be resilient in the face of the inevitable setbacks? What areas will you explore and what steps will you take to reach your solution? Videos longer than two minutes will not be reviewed.
Confirmation of Receipt
You will receive a confirmation email after you have submitted your application. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact hoovervfp@stanford.edu.
IMPORTANT DATES
DATE
DEADLINE
May 25, 2026
Veteran Fellowship Program Application Open
August 10, 2026 (11:59 pm PT)
Application Close
September 25, 2026
Notification of Acceptance
November 10-13, 2026*
Program Launch/Module 1
January 26-29, 2027*
Module 2
Late February 2027
Advisory Council Capstone Review Session (Washington, DC)
March 29-April 2, 2027*
Module 3
September 2027
Roll Call
*In-person activity at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University campus
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