Frequently Asked Questions
About the Application Process & Program Eligibility
Can I be a Fellow if I am still active duty, in the reserves, in ROTC, etc.?
I'm currently on IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve). Can I be a Fellow?
I served less than 2 years in the military. Can I still be a Fellow?
I was discharged before September 11, 2001. Can I still be a Fellow?
I received a General Discharge "Under Honorable Conditions," am I eligible to apply for a fellowship?
I am getting out of the military soon. Can I apply now and start serving after my discharge?
What if I am disabled or have special considerations?
Can I lose my VA disability payment if I become a Fellow?
I currently receive SSDI. Will I lose my benefits?
I'm moving to another state in a few months. Can I still apply?
How long does it take to process my application?
What if I don't have a DD214?
Who can I use a references?
Do you have an acceptance rate?
I lost my username and password to access the online application. What do I do?
About the Fellowship
How long is the Fellowship?
Where is the Fellowship located?
What kind of organization can I serve with? Can I serve with a corporation?
What is the cost of living stipend and how often do I receive payment?
Is orientation mandatory? Where will it be located?
What is the MOU with a nonprofit?
What is a service project?
What happens after my Fellowship? Can I continue working for my host organization?
General Inquiries
Who can I talk to at The Mission Continues?
What is a Fellowship Program Associate?
About the Application Process & Program Eligibility
Can I be a Fellow if I am still active duty, in the reserves, in ROTC, etc?
The Fellowship Program is only open to service members who have completed their military service commitment. We recognize the vital skills of our Active Guard and Reserve service members and we welcome you to join us in service at one of our many nationwide service projects.
I’m currently on IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve). Can I be a Fellow?
Yes.
I served less than 2 years in the military. Can I still be a Fellow?
We currently require a minimum of 24 months of time in service, unless serious injury was sustained prior to that date, preventing further service.
I was discharged before September 11, 2001. Can I still be a Fellow?
Our Fellowship Program is for veterans who have post-9/11 service only; however, we welcome the skills and leadership from veterans of all eras in our Service Projects Program.
I received a General Discharge “Under Honorable Conditions,” am I eligible to apply for a fellowship?
At this time we are only accepting applicants with an Honorable Discharge. There are many resources available to assist you in appealing your type of discharge. You can utilize DD Form 293(2) or you can consult your local Department of Veterans Affairs office.
I am getting out of the military soon. Can I apply now and start serving after my discharge?
Yes! You can start your application now; however, we won’t be able to process all of your application documents until you’ve discharged. For more information, contact your Fellowship Program Associate.
What if I am disabled or have special considerations?
Many Mission Continues Fellows in the same position have gone before you, proving that despite personal challenges, they can have a tremendous impact and successfully complete a Fellowship. If you have the need for accommodations at your fellowship, we are happy to work with you.
Can I lose my VA disability payment if I become a Fellow?
VA compensations are benefits, not entitlements, which means they are not affected by competitive wages as long as you have a service connected rating. If your injury was sustained or aggravated through any form of military service, your benefits will not be affected by doing a Mission Continues Fellowship. That said, non-service connected pensions, can be impacted by a change in income. Additionally, if you receive individual unemployment from the VA, that payment can be impacted. To learn more, please visit these resources or speak with your point of contact at the VA:
http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/aboutticket.html
I currently receive SSDI. Will I lose my benefits?
You can learn more about earnings while on Social Security Disability Insurance here http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10153.html#4. Please contact your individual SSDI representative for more information.
I’m moving to another state in a few months; can I still apply?
Yes! You should begin your application now and once you have moved, we will work with you to complete the application process and identify a prospective host organization in your new community. Fellowships can be done in all 50 states.
How long does it take to process my application?
Once your online application is completed, The Mission Continues will review it for content and completion. At that time, you will be contacted by a Fellowship Program Associate who will assist you with the remaining aspects of your application.
All prospective Fellows must provide an official DD 214 that states the nature of their discharge. You can request a new copy from the National Archives. For more information, visit www.archives.gov and click on “Veterans’ Service Records.”
The ideal military reference is a leader who has worked extensively with you, knows your character and can speak to your desire to serve. Your civilian reference should be an employer, member of your community, teacher/professor, or other supervisor who can speak to your character and strengths. References must not be family members, spouses, or significant others. Also, be sure that these references are notified that they have been listed as references.
Do you have an acceptance rate?
No. We’re looking for the strongest candidates to serve 500 Fellowships in 2012 alone – apply, we’re excited to get to know you!
I lost my username and password to access the online application, what do I do?
Email David Rogers at DRogers@missioncontinues.org or call 314-571-6158 to have your password reset and sent to you.
About the Fellowship
Fellowships are about 26 weeks in length for 20 hours per week. The start and completion dates for the fellowship are located here: http://www.missioncontinues.org/Programs/apply.
Where is my fellowship located?
Your Fellowship will be uniqe to you! Our model relies on veterans who are ready to serve again identifying strong nonprofits in their community where they can serve again. To date, over 200 Fellows have served in more than 30 states and hundreds of communities across the country!
What kind of organization can I serve with? Can I serve with a corporation?
You must serve with a nonprofit (501c3) organization in your community. We will also consider faith-based institutions, government/public service organizations, and foundations on a case by case basis. If you have specific questions, speak with your Fellowship Program Associate.
What is the cost of living stipend and how often do I receive payment?
Fellows are awarded a cost of living stipend to offset expenses while they are serving their fellowship. The stipend is variable by location, and is based upon nationally-developed stipend scales for service-related fellowships. Your Fellowship Program Associate will discuss the specifics of the stipend with you. Fellows are paid once per month, based on completion of certain benchmarks in their fellowship, amounting to six checks total during the course of a fellowship. Also note that fellowship stipends will be taxed at the end of the year. Please consult your tax professional for specific guidance regarding your level of federal taxation.
Is orientation mandatory? Where will it be held?
You won’t want to miss it! Orientation is the official beginning of your Fellowship and allows you to meet the other members of your class, an important group of veterans who will be on this journey with you. The orientation will be held from a Friday to a Sunday; all travel and accommodations will be covered by The Mission Continues. Our 2012 Orientations will be held in major cities – locations to be announced soon!
What is the MOU with a nonprofit?
The MOU or Memorandum of Understanding is a contract that outlines the responsibilities of the Fellow while serving at their nonprofit host organization. It includes the quantitative goals to be reached and all necessary contact information. The MOU should be filled out by both the prospective Fellow and the appropriate contact at the nonprofit. Be sure to add as much detail as possible when listing both the roles/responsibilities of the Fellow and the quantitative goals (x amount of projects, x amount of people, x certificates, etc).
Service projects are day long projects in local communities where we identify the needs of a community institution such as a school, food bank, homeless shelter, park, or veteran’s home and bring volunteers together to make a tangible impact on that site. We host service projects across the nation including a service project at each Fellowship Orientation. Additionally, every Fellow is expected to organize and lead at a service project in their community during their Fellowship – we will give you the training and tools to make this happen in your community.
What happens after my Fellowship? Can I continue working for my host organization?
After your Fellowship, you will continue to pursue your goals around employment, education and/or an ongoing role of service. We encourage you to apply for jobs in the nonprofit sector, and certainly to apply at your host site if there are positions available. Most of all, we expect you to find ways to continue to serve.
To that end, you will become a part of our Fellowship Alumni Program. This will be a way for you to stay connected to The Mission Continues, continue to serve, recruit prospective Fellows and continue to lead the way in ensuring your generation of veterans becomes the next “greatest generation.”
General Inquiries
Who can I talk to at The Mission Continues?
You will be assisted through the fellowship application process by a Fellowship Program Associate for your area. Individual contact information is below or for general inquiries you can call 314-588-8805 or email fellowships@missioncontinues.
Identify your region and Fellowship Program Associate here.
Northeast Tiffany Garcia tgarcia@missioncontinues.org
Southeast Caitlin Shapiro cshapiro@missioncontinues.org
West Coast Micah Goulet mgoulet@missioncontinues.org 314-571-6164
Midwest Sarah Bradburn sbradurn@misscontinues.org
What is a Fellowship Program Associate?
A Fellowship Program Associate is a member of our staff at The Mission Continues whose sole responsibility is the success of you as a Fellow. You will be assigned a Fellowship Program Associate based on your geographic location and work with them through the application process and as your central point of contact during your fellowship.
