Press Release

Application opens for the George W. Bush Institute’s seventh class of Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholars

The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program is increasing the impact and developing the skills of those serving the veteran and military family community

DALLAS, TEXAS – The George W. Bush Institute opened the application process for the 2025 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. The first-of-its-kind program convenes active-duty service members, veterans, 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. 5, 2025. 

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 former Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy; 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 such Scholar-led efforts include: developing innovative solutions to reduce veteran suicides; providing job support services, housing services, mental health care, and holistic wellness services to veterans and their families; breaking down employment barriers for our military families overseas; and highlighting the role of military families through storytelling.. 

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, nearly 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 2025 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.