Service to Service

The Volcker Alliance and the Evans School share a belief that principled, effective, and compassionate leadership is essential to renovating our democracy. The Service to Service initiative connects veterans and their families with educational pathways to propel them into stable and impactful careers in public leadership.

Military-connected students bring a wealth of leadership experience, systems thinking, and a deep sense of mission to public service. At Evans, you’ll join a community that recognizes and builds upon that experience, offering:

• Flexible pathways for early-career and experienced professionals
• Faculty and peers committed to public impact
• A collaborative learning environment grounded in equity and evidence
• Career support for those seeking to advance or transition into public service roles

Whether your goal is to manage teams, shape policy, or strengthen institutions, Evans provides the skills and network to lead with purpose.

Your leadership has already made a difference. At Evans, you’ll join a community driven to serve, innovate, and lead with purpose. 

A full-time, two-year degree designed for early- and mid-career professionals ready to lead change across government, nonprofits, and global organizations. Build your analytical and leadership toolkit while learning alongside others who share your commitment to making systems work better—for people and for democracy.

Tailored for experienced professionals balancing work, service, and family, the EMPA combines flexible learning with a tight-knit cohort model. Translate your leadership experience into strategic influence and systemic impact—preparing you to strengthen the institutions you care most about.

We are committed to making an Evans education accessible to those who have served. Our Student Affairs team can help you navigate funding options and connect you with the support you need to start your next chapter of service. Military-connected applicants are encouraged to explore:

• Evans School merit-based scholarships for demonstrated commitment to public impact. Five fellowships each year are available to support our military-connected applicants.
• The VA Education Benefits Office at UW serves current service members, veterans and their dependents during their time as students at the UW. Their office can help you navigate your funding options, from VA education benefits and state waivers, to financial aid and scholarships (including the Post-9/11 GI Bill).
• Tillman Military Scholars invests in active and veteran military service members and their spouses through educational scholarships–building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. The scholarship aims to cover expenses left unpaid by the GI Bill and other government support.
• UW Graduate Fellowships offer a myriad of awards for graduate students
• Diversity Funding Opportunities through Graduate Student Equity and Excellence support graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every aspect of graduate education, including academic, financial, professional and social support.
• Graduate Funding Information Service (GFIS) Helps current and admitted UW graduate students learn the skills and tools to find funding
• UW Student Financial Aid believes students from all economic backgrounds should have the opportunity to attend the University of Washington.

Student Veteran Life is a unit founded by student veterans, for student veterans. As such, in order to build on the strength of organic and authentic community building and effectively bridge the civilian-military divide on campus, Student Veteran Life is led by a team of experienced and diverse veterans.

Check out Current Student Resources through Student Veteran Life including the Veteran Lounge and Student Veteran Groups.