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Veterans for Public Office

A nonpartisan civic leadership program for veterans and military spouses interested in public service, politics, or campaign leadership.

Interest Form
A army veteran shaking hands with two people and smiling.

Program Overview

The program combines academic insight with practical guidance to support participants at different stages of readiness through two connected tracks: 

Ideation and Campaign Planning.

2025 VPO graduating class.

Two Ways to Lead

VPO's two tracks, ideation and campaign planning, build on each other, moving participants from exploration to action while connecting them to a national community of veteran and military-affiliated civic leaders.
VPO participant speaking.

The Ideation Track

The Ideation track is designed for individuals exploring a potential path in politics or civic leadership. Participants gain a foundational understanding of the political landscape while examining their motivations, values, and opportunities for impact—without committing to a campaign.

VPO participants sitting in a roundtable discussion.

The Campaign Planning Track

The Campaign Planning track supports participants who are actively preparing to run for office or lead a civic initiative. This track focuses on the practical elements of campaign development, including strategy, messaging, fundraising, compliance, and team building, culminating in a clear campaign or civic action plan.

Start your political journey today.

The program was a great opportunity for me to learn more about what the process of running a campaign looks like and understanding the goals you want to have.
Jenn Kaaoush Army veteran · Superior, CO Town Council · Former U.S. Diplomate
Jenn Kaaoush

Program goals

Engage Fully

Engage more fully in democratic life through informed, ethical, and sustained civic engagement.

Access Pathways

Understand and access political and civic pathways by demystifying how campaigns, public service, and civic leadership work.

Informed Decisions

Make informed choices about civic and political engagement, including whether, when, and how to pursue public service—without pressure to run for office.

Develop Skills

Develop practical skills to move from ideas to action, including strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, communication, and campaign fundamentals.

Progress Expertly

Progress from exploration to preparation with support, through a clear pathway from Ideation to Campaign Planning for those who choose to continue. 

Program Structure

Both tracks allow participants to engage leaders in the U.S. political system, Syracuse University faculty, IVMF staff, and campaign experts to increase awareness and develop important knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Ideation Track

(12-15 hours)

  • 9 hours of live, online, interactive seminars
  • 3–6 hours of online asynchronous learning

Campaign Planning Track 

(44-50 hours)

  • 20 hours total, 2-hour weekly for 10 weeks live, online, interactive seminars
  • 5 hours of online asynchronous learning
  • 2½ day immersion held on campus with option to participate online
  •  Campaign plan presentations

Program Demographics

Race / Ethnicity

44% identify as other minority races/ethnicities or two or more races/ethnicities

Gender

72% male

26% female

2% other

Political Affiliation

43% Democrat

36% Republican

21% Independent/Other

This program has had a profound impact on my life and perspective of continuing to serve. The professors collectively created a safe environment to share different views and to explore the concept of continuing to serve our nation as veterans. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.
Sa’eed Mustafa Retired Army Command Sergeant Major · Council member, Highlands, NY
Sa'eed Mustaga

Key Topic Areas

  • Campaign Strategy, Operations, Local Realities
  • Strategic Scanning and the Realities of the U.S. Political System
  • Conducting and Responding to Opposition Research
  • Political Communication, Media Strategy, Public Speaking 
  • Campaign Fundraising and Financing
  • Polling Strategies
  • Effective Citizen Engagement
  • Ethics, Accountability, and Campaign Realities
  • Navigating Political Institutions
A group of 3 panelists sit on tall stools in front of a crowded room while the session host addresses the MilSpouse Summit 2023 crowd.

Program Eligibility

VPO is open to veterans and military spouses. 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. 

Program Schedule Overview

Both tracks allow participants to engage leaders in the U.S. political system, Syracuse University faculty, IVMF staff, and campaign experts to increase awareness and develop important knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Ideation Track

Each ideation section consists of three consecutive evenings, held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. ET.

  • Ideation – Section 1:
    May 12–14, 2026
  • Ideation – Section 2:
    July 7–9, 2026
  • Ideation – Section 3:
    December 8–10, 2026

Campaign Planning Track 

Ten weekly online sessions will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. ET, running from September 9 through November 18, 2026, except for October 21, when immersion sessions will take place.

In addition, all participants must attend one public speaking workshop, held from 6:00–7:30 p.m. ET, on either:

  • Wednesday, October 21 2026, or
  • Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Immersion Training is from 5:00 p.m. ET October 21, 2026 through 5:00 p.m. ET October 23, 2026.

  • Participants are highly encouraged to attend in person.
  • Housing and meals will be provided by the program.
  • A virtual attendance option is available for those unable to attend on campus

Application Process

A completed application package will include the following:
  • Completed application form
  • Resume (uploaded through the online application)
  • 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.

Start your political journey today.

This program has had a profound impact on my life and perspective of continuing to serve. The professors collectively created a safe environment to share different views and to explore the concept of continuing to serve our nation as veterans. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.
Lou Luba Coast Guard Veteran · Former Town Council Member, Tolland, CT · Retired Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney, Windham Judicial District, Danielson, CT
Lou Luba

FAQs

I’ve seen how service in uniform builds leaders who can continue serving in civic life. I’m proud to have completed Syracuse University’s Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement (VPPCE) in 2019 as part of the inaugural cohort—an intensive, nonpartisan program delivered through the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the Maxwell School that equips veterans and military-connected leaders with practical tools for public engagement and political leadership. 
Matt Van Epps West Point graduate · Army special operations aviator · Member of Congress · VPPCE 2019 inaugural cohort
Matt Van Epps