Veterans for Public Office

Training program for veterans and military-connected considering careers in politics.

Program Overview

Interest FormVeterans for Public Office (VPO) is a nonpartisan civic leadership program for veterans and military spouses interested in public service, politics, or campaign leadership at the local, state, or national level. The program combines academic insight with practical guidance to support participants at different stages of readiness through two connected tracks: Ideation and Campaign Planning.

Jenn Kaaoush

“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
Superior, CO Town Council, former U.S. Diplomat

Key Topic Areas

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.

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.

Together, these tracks provide a flexible pathway from exploration to action, connecting participants to a national community of veteran and military-affiliated civic leaders.

Program Goals

  • Engage more fully in democratic life through informed, ethical, and sustained civic engagement.
  • Understand and access political and civic pathways by demystifying how campaigns, public service, and civic leadership work.
  • Make informed choices about civic and political engagement, including whether, when, and how to pursue public service—without pressure to run for office.
  • Develop practical skills to move from ideas to action, including strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, communication, and campaign fundamentals.
  • Progress from exploration to preparation with support, through a clear pathway from Ideation to Campaign Planning for those who choose to continue.

Sa'eed Mustafa“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, Army
Council member, Highlands, NY

Program Structure

Ideation Track

12 hours of online learning, on demand course work (3 hours) and live online learning (9 hours)

Engage with Syracuse University faculty, IVMF staff, politicians, and campaign experts via online learning and web conferencing platforms.

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

Interest Form

Campaign Planning Track

10 weekly live online sessions & 2.5-day on-campus immersion session

Engage with leaders in the U.S. political system, university faculty, and campaign experts at Syracuse University to gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to successfully run a campaign for public office.

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.

Raya Arbiol“The VPO program reaffirmed my commitment to public service and reminded me of the power of civic leadership rooted in community. This program strengthened not only my skills, but my resolve to lead with integrity, collaboration, and impact.”

Raya Arbio, Navy
Partner, New York Life Insurance Company, New Jersey

Program Stats

Program Demographics

Category Percentage
Race/Ethnicity
Minority / Two or More Races/Ethnicities 44%
All Others 56%
Gender
Male 72%
Female 26%
Other 2%
Party Affiliation
Democrat 43%
Republican 36%
Independent/Other 21%

Level of Office 2025 Participants Plan to Run For

Level of office 2025 participants plan to run for
Level of Office Percentage
Federal

12%
State

18%
County

29%
City

24%
Other

18%

*Other includes School Board, Tax Collector, etc.

61%

of participants are currently running or plan to run
in the next election cycle

Lou Luba“What truly set the program apart was the camaraderie. Being surrounded by fellow veterans who shared the same drive to continue serving created a sense of purpose and support that carried me through the entire process.”

Lou Luba, Coast Guard
Former Town Council Member, Tolland, CT

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility

VPO is open to veterans and their family members. 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will the online learning be live instruction?
    1. Ideation Track is 12 hours of online learning split between on-demand learning (3 hours) and live online instruction (9 hours).
    2. The Campaign Planning (CP) Track is primarily live online instruction, supplemented by asynchronous content. It also includes 2.5 days of immersive training in Syracuse, NY.

  • What is the cost of the program?

    The initiative was launched with foundational funding from JPMorgan Chase & Co., and today it is sustained in large part through the leadership and philanthropic commitment of David Kelso ’68, alongside contributions from a growing community of supporters. Through this collective generosity, programming for both the Ideation and Campaign Planning tracks is offered at no cost to participants.

    For those in the Campaign Planning track who travel to Syracuse for the immersive training, the program covers attendance, lodging, and meals. Participants are responsible only for their travel to and from Syracuse, NY.

  • Do I earn credit through Syracuse University and 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.

  • What is the application deadline?

    Except for the first section of Ideation Track, all applications are due May 30, 2026. Section 1 of Ideation deadline is April 17, 2026.

    We encourage applicants to apply early for the best chance of admission and section availability.

  • How many participants are expected to be admitted to the program?

    Each section will have between 25-30 participants.

  • How have the alumni benefited from the program?

    Approximately 400 participants have completed the program since its inception.The vast majority of the VPO 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 more than 20 have been elected or reelected.

  • What happens after the program?

    Program alumni receive support from IVMF Alumni Services, Maxwell School Alumni networks, and central University alumni services. All program graduates are part of a private LinkedIn group and are equipped with a campaign toolkit outlining the many important facets of getting a campaign off the ground and successfully running a campaign.