For many veterans and military family members looking to continue their education, their next mission is to find a path to a different kind of public service.

The University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration will help make that transition easier, as it has been accepted into the Service-to-Service program. Supported by the Volcker Alliance, We the Veterans and Military Families, and the Deans Summit, Service to Service connects veterans and military families with public service education pathways to propel them into stable and impactful careers in public leadership.

“Public service is at the heart of who we are as a School and as a University,” said Joe Trainor, interim dean of the Biden School. “Through Service-to-Service, we are creating pathways that allow those who have served to continue leading and serving in new, transformative ways.”

As a new member of this collaborative network of schools of public service, the Biden School will offer its master’s students who are active duty military, veterans or military family members access to a national community of peers and professionals with similar experiences and goals. Participants will engage in a wide variety of opportunities designed to help transition successfully into public service careers.

The national network provides the following resources tailored to military-connected individuals:

• Specialized orientations

• Seminars and workshops

• Networking events

• Career counseling

• Mentorship programs

• Job placement resources

• Dedicated fellowships and ongoing support

At UD, the Biden School will supplement the national program offerings by:

• Providing access to dedicated service-to-service fellowships that enable greater access for active duty, veteran, and military-affiliated family members.

• Contributing to the development of the national service-to-service network and the development of best practices in service to this population.

• Offering programming in collaboration with the Biden Institute, such as “Hoagies and Heroes” and other speakers and programs designed specifically for our service-to-service cohort.

• Helping to support the UD Student Veterans Association.

• Activating the Biden School’s extensive network to help connect cohort students to internships, fellowships, capstone projects and related opportunities that will help them connect to opportunities in federal, state and local government.

The program aligns seamlessly with the School’s mission to educate and empower leaders who are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities and beyond.

“This partnership reflects our belief that public service is a calling that transcends sectors and backgrounds,” said Trainor. “Veterans and their families embody the core values of commitment, resilience and civic responsibility. By joining the Service-to-Service Program, we are helping to ensure that those values continue to shape the future of public leadership.”

Virtual Recruitment Fair

Service to Service is hosting a virtual recruitment fair on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 4-6 p.m. The event will inspire, prepare and connect interested military-connected individuals with schools participating in the Service to Service initiative to learn more about academic offerings and the application process. Registration is free and available online. 

About Service to Service

Launched in 2024, Service to Service is a national initiative that encourages veterans and military family members to serve again through public service — starting with graduate degrees in public administration and public policy. Service to Service students will join a cohort of peers at their campuses and nationally as they complete graduate degree programs and embark on meaningful careers in state and local government.

About the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration

Established in 1961 and named in 2018 for the University of Delaware’s most distinguished alumnus, the 46th President of the United States, the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in research and public service to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Biden School faculty, staff, students and alumni create and use interdisciplinary, nonpartisan research and empirically based analysis to inform effective decision-making and policy and to improve leadership and administration. The Biden School partners with organizations from all sectors to discover innovative and equitable solutions to the critical challenges of our time.

Follow and engage with @UDBidenSchool on Facebook and Instagram and connect on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest with research initiatives, academic activities and more.