Apply to the Dog Tag Fellowship Program

Program Dates:

Winter cohorts run January through May, with a spring break. Summer cohorts run July through November, with a fall break. Exact program dates subject to change.

In-Person Programming

Though the majority of the program will take place virtually, there will be three weeks of in-person programming at key points of the fellowship program. 

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.

• Dog Tag will attempt to secure partners that offer discounted and/or free air travel to fellows
• Dog Tag will attempt to secure discounted rate room blocks at local hotels
• Your stipend is intended to offset costs incurred to participate in programming

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

For the DC program, preference will be given to those located in the mid-Atlantic region of the US; for the Chicago program, preference will be given to those located in the Midwest region of the US. However, we encourage all to apply. If you are unsure which program to choose, select "remote" when applying and we will assist in determining which program would be best. 

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)
• 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
• 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.