The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program is enhancing the impact and building the skills of individuals serving the veteran and military family community.
DALLAS, TEXAS – Applications have opened for the George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Class of 2026. The first-of-its-kind program convenes active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and civilians from diverse backgrounds and sectors who are focused on serving our nation’s veterans and their families. Applications will remain open through Jan. 7, 2026.
The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program features a unique curriculum designed to teach bold and principled leaders the essential skills to be impactful in the veteran and military family space. Throughout the five-month program, Scholars engage with a variety of nationally-known and distinguished professionals, educators, and experts in veteran issues and leadership development. Past speakers have included Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Joanne S. Bass; Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Bob McDonald, the 8th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and retired Chairman, President, and CEO of Proctor & Gamble; retired U.S. Air Force Major General Alfred Flowers; Bush Institute Senior Fellow and former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Dr. Deborah L. Birx; and President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush.
Scholars put their learning into action through a personal leadership project, intended to improve outcomes for veterans and their families. Examples of Scholar-led efforts include: advocating for Kentucky veterans’ legal needs leading a nonprofit (SoldierStrong) dedicated to providing new technology, innovative advancements, and educational opportunities for veterans; opening new paths for military spouses overseas; creating the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s internal program that will provide high-quality support to Medal of Honor Recipients and their families.
Alumni include educators, physicians, public servants, corporate professionals, and nonprofit leaders at the forefront of their fields who are creating positive impact for veterans and their families. Since the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program launched in 2018, over 250 Scholars have participated in the program, building an active network of servant leaders working to strengthen our communities and our nation.
Program tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel are fully funded during the five course sessions.
The Bush Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of The Boeing Company as the Founding Program Underwriter.
To apply for the 2026 program cycle, visit www.bushcenter.org/standto.
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George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
