Ten competitive fellowships and cohort programs that turn a transition into a launchpad, from corporate SkillBridge fellowships to national leadership programs.
The short version
A fellowship can hand you civilian experience, a credential, or a network right when you need it most. Some place you inside a company during terminal leave, others fund graduate school or a year in public service. This list covers ten competitive programs. Most are selective, so read the eligibility and start early.
Source: DoD SkillBridge
How to use this list
These are vetted, not ranked, and being listed here is not an endorsement. These programs are competitive, and deadlines, eligibility, and funding change, so confirm current details on each official site. Several corporate fellowships run through DoD SkillBridge, so start with how SkillBridge gives you runway to a civilian job.
What counts as a fellowship here?
Some of these are hands-on corporate fellowships you do while still in uniform, using SkillBridge. Others are national leadership or scholarship fellowships you apply to as a veteran. All are selective and all can change your next chapter, so match the program to your goal: a job, a degree, or a leadership network.
The 10 fellowships
- DoD SkillBridge: The Defense Department authority that lets you train or intern with a civilian employer during your last months of service, at no cost to the employer. It fits members within 180 days of separation with command approval. Start on the official SkillBridge site.
- Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program: A SkillBridge-approved fellowship that places transitioning members in a 12-week hands-on role with a company. It fits members seeking civilian work experience before they separate. Apply on the site.
- Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA): A free, SkillBridge-approved technical training program in cloud and cybersecurity roles. It fits members moving into tech careers. Apply through Microsoft Military Affairs.
- Salesforce Military: Free training, certifications, and fellowship opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem for service members, veterans, and spouses. It fits members eyeing cloud and CRM careers. Start with Trailhead Military on the Salesforce site.
- White House Fellows: A highly selective year of full-time, paid service alongside senior federal leaders, open to U.S. citizens including active-duty members. It fits accomplished early-career professionals. Review the President's Commission process via the fellows resource.
- The Honor Foundation: A cohort-based transition fellowship for the Special Operations Forces community, delivered at no cost to fellows. It fits SOF members and support staff preparing to separate. Apply on the site.
- Pat Tillman Foundation (Tillman Scholars): A competitive scholarship and leadership community for service members, veterans, and spouses pursuing higher education. It fits members with a clear academic and service path. Apply on the site.
- Council on Foreign Relations Military Fellowship: A one-year fellowship placing selected officers at CFR to deepen expertise in international affairs. It fits active-duty officers nominated by their service. Learn more on the CFR site.
- Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program: A five-month leadership fellowship for people working to improve veteran outcomes, including veterans, spouses, and civilians. It fits leaders in the veteran space. Apply through the Bush Center.
- U.S. House Wounded Warrior Fellowship: A paid, multi-year fellowship placing eligible veterans in congressional offices to serve constituents. It fits veterans, often with a service-connected disability, interested in public service. See the House diversity office for eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a fellowship while still in the military?
Yes for the SkillBridge-based ones, with command approval, usually in your last 180 days. National fellowships like White House Fellows or the CFR Military Fellowship have their own rules, and some are for veterans only.
Do these pay?
It varies. SkillBridge fellows keep military pay during the program. White House Fellows and the House Wounded Warrior Fellowship are paid roles. Scholarships like the Tillman award fund education. Check each program.
Are spouses eligible?
For some. The Tillman Scholarship and the Bush Institute program include spouses. Others are for service members or veterans only. Read the eligibility on each site.
How competitive are these?
Several are very selective, with national applicant pools and small classes. Strong applications and early preparation help. Apply to more than one if you qualify.
What about a tech-training benefit instead of a fellowship?
The VA reauthorized VET TEC as VET TEC 2.0, a high-tech training benefit with limited seats. It is a benefit rather than a fellowship, so it is worth a separate look on VA.gov.
When should I start applying?
Months ahead. Selective fellowships have annual cycles and long lead times, and SkillBridge requires command approval, so plan against your transition timeline.
Where to get help
Verification Notes
- The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program was considered but dropped. OPM began winding it down in 2025, and the program was set to fully sunset by mid-2026. Confirmed via the Federal Register and OPM.
- VET TEC was reauthorized as VET TEC 2.0 and is funded through fiscal year 2027 with a limited number of seats per year. It is a VA training benefit, not a fellowship, so it is noted here rather than listed. Confirm current status on VA.gov.
- The White House Fellows program is run by the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. The official government application page can move between administrations, so the applicant-facing fellows foundation is linked here. Confirm the current official application route before applying.
- Selection criteria, deadlines, and any pay change. Confirm current details on each official site.
Sources & links
VetraFi does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. The content provided is for informational purposes only. You should consult your own advisors before engaging in any transaction.
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