Now accepting applications for the 2027 cohort

Community Leader Fellowship

A one-year leadership program for veterans in the energy industry. Fellows build local Project Vanguard chapters, mentor transitioning service members, and become trusted voices on veterans and energy careers — while growing their own networks and professional reputations.

Apply for the 2027 cohort → How the fellowship works

Community leaders today

Veterans already leading Project Vanguard in their communities.

10to20

Local chapters by 2027

Fellows are the people who launch and run them.

50+

Fellows in the 2027 cohort

A nationwide network of veteran leaders in energy.

The Fellowship

Veterans are the most credible voices on energy careers

Fellows commit 5 to 10 hours a month to building local Project Vanguard chapters and organizing veteran communities in their region. They host events, mentor service members who are making the transition, and share what a career in energy actually looks like.

Along the way, fellows grow their professional networks and personal brands and become recognized thought leaders in the industry. Over the next year, the Foundation will double its chapters and grow to more than 50 fellows nationwide.

What fellows help people understand

Veterans are 10% of the energy workforce. And the Foundation’s goal is to double that.

Energy security is national security. Working in energy is a way to keep serving after the uniform.

An all-of-the-above build-out needs veterans. From field operations to project leadership, military skills translate directly.

What fellows get out of the fellowship

Access you won’t find on a job board

The fellowship puts you in the room with people shaping the energy industry, and gives you the training to make the most of it.

Exclusive dinners with industry executives Small-group time with leaders at energy and infrastructure companies.
Private roundtables with veteran C-suite leaders Candid conversations with veterans who have reached the top of the industry.
Industry conference ticket access Attend major energy industry conferences alongside fellow Project Vanguard members.
Conversations with public officials Meet local, state, and federal officials to share the veteran experience in energy workforce development.
Media training Learn to tell your story clearly in interviews, on panels, and online.
A national peer network A cohort of veteran leaders across 20 chapters, plus the wider Project Vanguard community.

Your year as a fellow

What you’ll do

The fellowship combines ongoing activities with a short list of commitments to complete during the year.

Activities

Ongoing throughout the year.

Social media thought leadership
Professional development
Networking and community building
Media training and engagement
Peer mentoring

Deliverables

What every fellow completes by the end of the year.

Host a local networking event
Host a networking event at an industry event
Publish thought leadership on social media
Attend a base or military job fair
Participate in media training

Enrollment options

Join on your own or bring your company

Many fellows are supported by their employers. If yours isn’t, the individual option is for you.

Individual

For fellows participating without company support

$500

One fellowship spot.

Apply as an individual

Corporate

For companies supporting an employee

$1,000

One fellowship spot.

Apply with company support

Sponsorship

For companies investing in veteran talent

$5,000

Five fellowship spots plus company recognition with the 2027 cohort.

Become a sponsor

Questions about enrollment or sponsorship? Email info@projectvanguard.com.

Ready to lead the veteran energy community where you live?

Looking to supercharge your career in energy? This is the best way to do it while serving your community and building opportunities for other veterans.

Start your 2027 application →

2027 application: share.hsforms.com/1JOeE6KoHQBuJjomLoKhxfgs8gr7