The "Veterans Fellowship Act" establishes a pilot program in select states to provide veterans with short-term fellowships, stipends, and opportunities for long-term employment through partnerships with non-profit organizations.
John Moolenaar
Representative
MI-2
The Veterans Fellowship Act establishes a pilot program enabling 3-5 states to offer short-term fellowships to veterans, in partnership with non-profit organizations. These fellowships, lasting up to 20 weeks, include monthly stipends and focus on securing long-term employment. The program is subject to a Comptroller General report to Congress and is authorized to receive $10,000,000 annually from 2025-2029.
Veterans Fellowship Act Proposes $10M Annual Pilot Program for Job Placements
Congress is looking at a new way to help veterans transition into civilian careers with the proposed Veterans Fellowship Act. This bill sets up a pilot program, authorizing the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training to give grants or contracts to 3-5 states. The core idea? To create short-term fellowships for veterans, helping them get their foot in the door with potential long-term employers.
Boots on the Ground: How the Fellowships Work
If this bill moves forward, selected states won't be going it alone. They're required by Section 2 to partner with non-profit organizations already working in the veteran support space. Together, they'll establish fellowship programs lasting up to 20 weeks. Participating veterans would be placed with employers and receive a monthly stipend – a crucial detail that helps cover living costs while they gain experience. Think of it as an extended, paid tryout, designed to bridge the gap between military service and a stable civilian job.
Beyond the Fellowship: Aiming for Careers, Not Just Gigs
The ultimate goal, as outlined in the bill, isn't just temporary placements; it's securing long-term employment. The fellowship structure is intended to give both the veteran and the employer a chance to see if it's a good fit before committing fully. To track whether this approach actually works, the bill includes an accountability measure: the Comptroller General has to report back to Congress within four years on how the pilot program is performing. This report will be key to understanding if these fellowships are genuinely translating into lasting careers.
Putting Money Where the Mission Is
To get this pilot off the ground, the bill authorizes $10 million per year specifically for this program, running from fiscal year 2025 through 2029. This dedicated funding signals a concrete investment in testing this fellowship model. The success will likely depend on strong partnerships between the states, non-profits, and employers, and critically, whether these short-term opportunities consistently convert into meaningful, long-term work for veterans.