Patriot Fellowship
Connecting vets & young people.
The Patriot Fellowship for high schoolers connects youth with military veterans
Patriot Fellows build an athletic fundraiser in their community alongside Veteran Mentors to raise money for military families in need. Along the way, Fellows and Mentors learn lifelong lessons in Wellness, Social Entrepreneurship, and Connectedness. The funds benefit our core programs, and we send additional proceeds to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.
Military-civilian divide.
200,000
…service members transition to civilian life annually.
12%
…of American youth believe they share a lot in common with the military
50%
…of returning veterans report a loss of purpose.
We are here to flip the script. Together.
Here’s how our evidence-based and 100% fun Patriot Fellowship works
Step 1: Patriot Connection
High school Patriot Fellows and Veteran Mentors connect to create their very own social enterprise: an athletic fundraiser. Exceptional high school students are invited to apply for the Patriot Fellowship: an educational and wellness experience, teaching entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and teamwork. Fellows are matched with a Veteran Mentor to co-create their own Points for Patriots athletic fundraiser. Fellows learn the management, leadership, and social innovation tools to create their own event. Along the way, Fellows strengthen their mind and body via virtual coaching sessions with world-class instructors.
Step 2: Patriot Experience
Patriot Fellows & Veteran Mentors engage in 6 months of Wellness, Social Entrepreneurship, and Connectedness programming, and launch their fundraiser. Patriot Fellows & Veteran Mentors launch their very own Points for Patriots athletic fundraiser, bringing folks of all backgrounds together for a day of competition to donate funds for veteran mental health and our suite of programs. Each event is patriotic and uplifting, featuring color guard ceremonies, VIP guest speakers, raffle prizes, and a marketplace of veteran-owned small businesses advertising their goods and services at tables.
Step 3: #PatriotPromise
Patriot Fellows, Veteran Mentors, and Points for Patriots participants promise to honor, respect, and care for each other to bridge the military-civilian divide. Mutual respect and understanding are paramount in our endeavor. Patriot Fellows and Veteran Mentors build lifelong bonds and are committed to deepening their awareness and broadening their perspective. Veterans and young people learn from each other, celebrate diversity, and find common ground. #PatriotPromise