Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement

What You Will Experience

• Hybrid in-person and online instruction and dynamic interaction 
• A unique experience to strengthen your relationship with your cohort, alumni, instructors and friends of the program 
• An immersion training 
• Ongoing access to continuing learning opportunities for all VPPCE alums

The ultimate deliverable for this program is a refined campaign plan for each program participant.

Program Structure

The program offers two sections: the campaign planning section and the ideation section. Participants will be assigned to the section we believe better serves your goals and interests as stated in your application. Participants who succeed in the ideation section will be offered an opportunity to join a campaign planning section within a year or two. 

The Ideation Section

The ideation section is designed for veterans and individuals with military connections who have demonstrated a strong interest in politics but are in the early stage of exploring a political career. The goal is to help participants develop a better understanding of their motivations and commitment to public office as well as what offices might interest and fit them.

The Ideation section provides 12 hours of asynchronous and synchronous instruction and interaction. The synchronous sessions will be delivered online at 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16; Wednesday, July 17; and Thursday, July 18, 2024. Participants will be provided asynchronous content before July 5, 2023. Those who complete the ideation section successfully and are interested in continuing to pursue a political career might be assigned to the curriculum planning section either in the same year or the next year.

The Campaign Planning Section

The campaign planning section will mostly be delivered online. Participants are required to attend all live sessions, submit a stump speech video, and present a campaign plan. The 2024 program schedule is as follows:

Eligibility

A selective, rigorous and intense educational initiative, our program represents a unique opportunity for those who have sacrificed for our freedom, or their family members, to take an important step toward continuing their commitment to public service through elected office. The program offers intensive training for veteran and military family members with career interests in politics.

All veterans and their family members are eligible to apply. Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate a strong potential for a future career in politics and are interested in running for public office or getting involved in political campaigns.  

Application

A completed application package will include the following:

1. Completed application form
2. Resume (uploaded through the online application)
3. Proof of military service (DD214 Member 4; or, VA statement of service showing character of service. For active duty: a statement of service or record brief)

Selection will be based on the ‘whole-person’ concept, with a particular focus on an assessment of each candidate’s potential to excel not only in the program, but also upon graduation, in their chosen area of leadership in public office. References and interviews may be requested of finalists. We strive to select a cohort for the program that reflects diverse experiences and perspectives.

There are two required uploads in the online application portal necessary for successful completion of this application. While you will be able to to save your resume and application, please make sure that you are prepared to submit all materials shortly after beginning your application. You will only have 30 days to access your in-progress application after the first time you save it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be live instruction?
Instruction will be offered in a hybrid format that consists of asynchronous (on-demand) and synchronous (live video conference) materials available through a web-based learning management platform.

What is the cost of the program to students?
Expenses related to program participation (e.g., attendance, lodging and meals) will be covered by the program through the generous support of JPMorgan Chase & Co, Syracuse University and other sponsors. Candidates admitted to the program will assume costs associated with transportation to Syracuse, New York, if they choose to attend the on-campus immersion sessions in person.

Do I earn credit through Syracuse University, and do I receive a certificate or diploma on completion?
There will be a certificate providing documentation of attendance and the opportunity to secure a non-credit transcript detailing the course completed by Syracuse University.

When is the application deadline for the 2024 program?
May 31, 2024.

How and when will applicants be notified of the status of their application?
Finalists for both sections will be notified via email by June 19, 2024.

How many participants are expected to be admitted to the program?
A class of 25 to 30 will be admitted into each of the two sections in 2024.

How have the alumni benefited from the program?
More than 200 participants have completed the program since its inception. The vast majority of the VPPCE alums have been more actively engaged politically and civically; many of them have run for office, or are running and organizing campaigns at the federal, state and local levels; and quite a few have succeeded in their bids for state and local offices.