Veteran internship and fellowship programs by state are structured work-experience opportunities that help former service members transition into civilian careers. These programs vary widely depending on where you live some are funded by state governments, others by federal agencies or private organizations and searching by state is often the fastest way to find options that actually match your location, industry interests, and eligibility.

What's the difference between a veteran internship and a fellowship?

An internship is typically a short-term position anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months that gives you hands-on experience in a civilian workplace. Many are paid. Some lead directly to full-time job offers. A fellowship, on the other hand, is usually longer, more structured, and often tied to professional development in a specific field like healthcare, technology, government, or nonprofit leadership. Fellows frequently receive a stipend, mentorship, and access to professional networks.

For veterans, both options serve a similar purpose: they fill the gap between your military experience and a civilian résumé. Employers get to see your skills in action, and you get to learn how a civilian workplace operates without the pressure of a permanent commitment right away.

Why should I search for these programs by state?

Because most veteran internship and fellowship programs are either state-funded, state-administered, or connected to local employers and agencies. Searching nationally can bury results that actually apply to you. When you search by state, you find programs tied to your state's veteran employment initiatives, local VA medical centers, state government agencies, and regional employers who specifically recruit veterans in your area.

State-specific programs also tend to have less competition than national ones. A fellowship through your state's Department of Veterans Affairs might receive 50 applicants versus a federal program that gets 5,000. That alone can improve your odds significantly.

What are some examples of state-level veteran internship programs?

Here are real programs organized by state that veterans commonly use:

California

  • CalVet Veterans Employment Program Places veterans in paid state government internships across departments like corrections, transportation, and healthcare.
  • California Department of Rehabilitation Offers transitional work experience for veterans with service-connected disabilities through vocational rehabilitation.

Texas

  • Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services Connects veterans with employer internship partners across the state, including energy, healthcare, and logistics companies.
  • City of Austin Veterans Fellowship A municipal fellowship placing veterans in city government roles for 12-month terms.

If you're in Texas and looking specifically for employment support, resources on job placement services for women veterans in Texas can also point you toward internship pipelines.

New York

  • NYS Veterans Internship Program State-funded internships within New York government agencies, with a focus on post-9/11 veterans.
  • Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship (NYC cohort) A DOD SkillBridge-affiliated program placing transitioning service members in 12-week fellowships with major employers.

Virginia

  • Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Internship Program Partners with certified V3 employers to create internship pipelines specifically for veterans.
  • Virginia Department of Veterans Services Offers transitional employment and apprenticeship connections throughout the state.

Florida

  • Florida Veterans Foundation Programs Connects veterans to workforce training and internship opportunities through local workforce development boards.
  • Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Runs veteran-specific employment programs that include on-the-job training placements.

Illinois

  • IDVA Veteran Employment Program Provides transitional employment through the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs with participating employers.
  • Chicago Federation of Labor Veterans Program Offers union apprenticeships and paid internships for veterans in skilled trades.

What federal programs are available in every state?

Some programs aren't state-specific but are accessible no matter where you live:

  • DOD SkillBridge Available to service members within their last 180 days of military service. You intern with a civilian employer while still receiving military pay and benefits. Over 30,000 service members have used it since 2011, according to the Department of Defense SkillBridge website.
  • VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31) For veterans with service-connected disabilities. Includes work experience, on-the-job training, and internship placements as part of an individualized rehabilitation plan.
  • Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program Run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this 12-week fellowship operates in multiple cities and matches transitioning service members with host companies.
  • American Corporate Partners (ACP) Not a traditional internship, but a year-long mentorship with a Fortune 500 professional that often leads to job referrals and work experience.
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Veterans Program Federally funded but administered at the state and local level. Your local American Job Center can connect you to on-the-job training and internship subsidies.

Veterans with disabilities may also benefit from subsidized employment and transitional work programs, which function similarly to internships but often come with additional support services.

How do I actually find veteran internship and fellowship programs in my state?

Start with these steps:

  1. Visit your state's Department of Veterans Affairs website. Most states list active employment programs, including internships, on their VA or veterans services homepage.
  2. Go to your local American Job Center (CareerOneStop). These centers have veteran-specific staff who know about local internship and training programs. Find yours at CareerOneStop.org.
  3. Check with your county or city veteran service officer. They often know about municipal and regional programs that don't show up in national searches.
  4. Use the VA's eBenefits or VA.gov portal to check eligibility for VR&E and other VA-sponsored training programs.
  5. Attend local veteran career fairs. Many employers at these events offer internship and fellowship slots alongside full-time jobs. You can look up veteran career fairs and hiring events by state to find ones near you.

What are the most common mistakes veterans make when applying?

Waiting too long to apply. Many programs especially SkillBridge and state-funded fellowships have fixed application windows and limited slots. If you wait until your last few weeks of service or after you've already separated, you may miss deadlines.

Not translating military experience into civilian language. A program coordinator reviewing applications doesn't necessarily understand what "squadron logistics NCOIC" means. Write your application the way you'd explain your experience to someone who has never served.

Ignoring local resources and only looking at national programs. National programs are competitive and often oversubscribed. State and local programs may have open seats right now. Your state's funded veteran employment initiatives are a good starting point.

Skipping the networking step. Many fellowship and internship placements are influenced by relationships. Talk to other veterans who've completed programs. Join veteran professional organizations like Team Rubicon, Vets in Tech, or FourBlock. A recommendation from someone who's been through the program carries weight.

Not asking about conversion to full-time employment. Some internships are designed as trial periods and convert to permanent roles. Others are strictly temporary. Ask upfront so you can plan accordingly.

Do these programs pay? What should I expect?

It depends on the program:

  • DOD SkillBridge You continue receiving full military pay and benefits.
  • State government internships Usually hourly, ranging from $15–$25/hour depending on the state and role.
  • Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Paid a stipend by the host company; amounts vary.
  • VA VR&E work experience You receive a subsistence allowance (similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill rate if you're eligible).
  • Nonprofit fellowships Many pay a living stipend, but some are unpaid. Always confirm before committing.

If you're dealing with employment barriers or discrimination during the application process, resources on veteran employment discrimination and legal help can help you understand your rights.

Can I use my GI Bill benefits during an internship or fellowship?

Sometimes, yes. If the internship qualifies as an approved training program, you may be able to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill to receive a housing allowance during the internship period. This depends on whether the program is approved by your state's State Approving Agency (SAA). Ask the program coordinator or contact the VA's GI Bill hotline at 1-888-442-4551 to check eligibility.

Are there veteran fellowships specifically for certain careers?

Yes. Many fellowships target specific industries where veterans bring strong transferable skills:

  • Technology VetsinTech, Microsoft MSSA (Microsoft Software & Systems Academy), and Amazon's Military Hiring programs all include internship-to-hire pipelines.
  • Healthcare VA hospitals run allied health internships, and some states fund veteran-specific nursing and mental health fellowships.
  • Government and public policy The Congressional Veterans Fellowship, state legislative fellowships, and federal agency internship programs (Presidential Management Fellows for graduate-degree holders).
  • Skilled trades Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to union apprenticeships, which function as paid, long-term internships.
  • Nonprofit management The Mission Continues Fellowship places veterans in community leadership roles with a stipend and mentorship.

What's a realistic timeline from application to starting a program?

  • SkillBridge: Plan 3–6 months ahead of your separation date. Command approval is required.
  • State government internships: Application cycles often align with fiscal years. Many open in spring or fall. Expect 1–3 months from application to start.
  • Corporate fellowships (Hiring Our Heroes): Cohorts run quarterly. Apply 2–3 months before the start date.
  • VA VR&E work experience: Timeline varies. You first need to apply and be approved for VR&E, which can take 1–2 months, then develop an individualized plan with your counselor.

Practical checklist: getting started this week

  • Identify your state's veterans affairs website and look for employment, internship, or fellowship programs listed there.
  • Call or visit your nearest American Job Center and ask specifically about veteran internship and training opportunities.
  • Check your eligibility for DOD SkillBridge (if still serving) or VA VR&E (if you have a service-connected disability).
  • Update your résumé using civilian language. Free help is available through Hiring Our Heroes resume tools and your local Veteran Employment Representative.
  • Set up job alerts on VA.gov, Indeed, and LinkedIn using terms like "veteran fellowship," "military internship," and your state name.
  • Attend at least one veteran career fair or networking event in your area within the next 30 days. Many internship opportunities come through direct conversations at these events.
  • Document your timeline. If you're still in service, note your separation date and work backward to identify application deadlines for programs you want to target.

Taking one small step this week even just bookmarking your state's veterans affairs employment page puts you ahead of most veterans who never look beyond national job boards.