Apply to the Dog Tag Fellowship Program
Sign up to receive updatesApplications for the Summer 2025 cohort are now closed. Applications for the January 2026 cohort will open in July.
See below for details and differences between the hybrid programs. Contact us with any questions.
Over the course of five months, our fellows explore a variety of career paths, learn about resources available to them, and strengthen their personal and professional networks as they develop strategic plans for plausible business ideas as well as their own futures. A monthly stipend is provided to all fellows, and all program-related expenses are covered, so fellows do not need to use the GI Bill or other military benefits to participate.
Program Dates:
Winter cohorts run January through May, with a spring break.
Summer cohorts run July through November, with a fall break.
DC Program Summer 2025 |
Chicago Program Summer 2025 |
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Hybrid High Residency Programming
By applying to participate in the DC cohort, you agree that if accepted, you will be in DC in person on a bi-weekly schedule, and that you are responsible for coordinating your own travel and accommodations to attend programming. As with all weeks of programming, participation in programming during in-person days is required. By accepting a position in the cohort, you are acknowledging understanding that in-person programming is mandatory.
Additional information about in-person programming, including more details about the program/travel schedule, will be provided upon the start of the program |
Hybrid Low Residency Programming
By applying to participate in the Chicago cohort, you agree that if accepted, you are able to travel to attend three weeks of in-person programming (2 in Chicago, 1 in DC), and that you are responsible for coordinating your own travel and accommodations to attend programming (a stipend and assistance with flights will be provided to offset costs). As with all weeks of programming, participation in programming during in-person weeks is required. By accepting a position in the cohort, you are acknowledging understanding that in-person programming weeks are mandatory, and you have the responsibility to coordinate your own travel and accommodations.
Additional information about in-person programming, including more details about the program/travel schedule, will be provided upon the start of the program |
Eligibility Requirements:
The following individuals are eligible for our program:
- Post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Military spouses* of post-9/11 service members (active, retired, former, Gold Star, Guard and Reserve)
- Military caregivers of post-9/11 service members
- Active service members in transition (within 6 months)
- Guard and Reserve veterans
Reference our Frequently Asked Questions page for more detailed information about eligibility, program details, and more.
*All military spouses are eligible regardless of spouse's military status or VA rating.
Please note: Dog Tag does not accept veterans and their spouses and/or caregivers simultaneously due to the intensive nature of the program and our belief in maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
About the Application Process:
- The initial eligibility form should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Once you have submitted the eligibility form and it is determined you meet the requirements, you will receive an email with a personalized link to the application. This link will be sent within 24 hours of your submission of the eligibility form, and will come from fellowship@dogtaginc.org.
- The full application may take up to 1-2 hours to complete, and will require you to upload:
- Proof of Service (DD214 or VA Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter. See instructions for obtaining below.)
- Letter of Recommendation (we do not accept letters of recommendation written by family members)
- You may save and revisit your work by clicking the "Save My Progress and Resume Later" button at the top of the page and creating an account.
- We will follow up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure the email address you include in your eligibility form is one that you check regularly. Please keep an eye on your spam folders as we have had issues in the past with these emails going to spam.
- If you have any questions about the application process please contact us at fellowship@dogtaginc.org.
- Go to va.gov and sign in.
- Select your name in the top right corner
- Select Letters
- Select Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter
- You want to include your military service & combined service disability rating in this letter. You do not need to include your financial information.
- Download Letter
Recruitment Events
Program Elements: Our Proven Recipe
The Dog Tag Fellowship Program is comprised of five integrated program areas that work together to empower veterans, military spouses and caregivers to find, pursue, achieve, and sustain their futures.
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Total Program and Community-building Hours
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h
Learning Labs
Fellows participate in over 138 hours of programming to explore careers and gain skills through workshops with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and subject-matter experts.
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h
Education
Fellows work to earn a customized business certificate from a top university in 119 hours of courses, gaining foundational business skills.
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h
Hands-on Learning
Fellows spend over 113 hours solidifying lessons learned in class through immersion in Dog Tag Bakery, our small business, earning real leadership and teamwork experience.
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h
Wellness
Fellows participate in 140 hours of activities designed to provide opportunities and strategies to process their past, reflect on their current experiences, and envision their future.
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h
Capstone
Fellows spend over 57 hours utilizing strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making skills to develop a robust business plan, solidifying the value of an entrepreneurial mindset. The capstone pushes fellows to envision their futures.
Learn more about Our Fellowship Program
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