Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program

(a) In general There shall be in the Department a Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program (hereinafter in this section referred to as the VIP Fellowship Program). (b) Finding Congress finds that the VIP Fellowship Program plays a vital role in providing veterans with professional experience, training, and pathways to careers in international affairs, while strengthening the Department’s recruitment of skilled, diverse, and service-minded personnel. (c) Objectives The program required by subsection (a) shall— (1) expand opportunities for veterans to gain professional experience in diplomacy, development, and international cooperation; (2) leverage the skills, leadership, and expertise of veterans to enhance the work of the Department and other participating agencies; and (3) support the transition of veterans into public service careers, particularly in foreign affairs. (d) Administration The program required by subsection (a) shall be administered by the Department, consistent with existing law and regulations, and in coordination with relevant Federal departments and agencies and veteran-serving organizations.