About VA’s History Office: VA’s History Office was established in 2020 and is focused on documenting the unique relationship between the Nation and its Veterans as viewed through the lens of VA and its predecessor organizations. This rich history encompasses our full spectrum of interaction with Veterans over the history of the United States, from medical care and disability benefits to memorial services. This history speaks to the mission of VA’s three primary administrations: the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. The History Office is also responsible for establishing the National VA History Center (NVAHC). The Center will host a public museum and a research archive on the 19th-century grounds of the Dayton VA campus, which was founded in 1867 as one of the first National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, a predecessor of the present-day VA. Additional information on the History Office and examples of our work can be found at: https://department.va.gov/history/.

Position Summary: The VA History Office is seeking a remote Work Study participant for the Fall 2025 semester. Our goal is to provide students with a meaningful work experience that is beneficial to both the student and the VA History Office. Students will work under the direction of the VA Chief Historian, VA Administration Historians, and the History Office’s Research Historian. Depending on their chosen project, students may also have the opportunity to work with VA’s Curator and Senior Archivist. Students will participate in weekly meetings and provide regular updates on their work. Students may work up to 25 hours per week during their enrollment period. It may be possible to extend the Work Study beyond a single semester, depending on project needs, enrollment status, and abilities demonstrated during the initial semester. Successful participation can provide valuable experience for students seeking careers in Federal service.

Position Description: The Work Study participant will contribute to the VA History Office by creating digital media products in support of the VA history initiative. The history of VA is unique in scope and frequently bridges into military, social, political, economic, scientific/medical, and cultural history specialties. The Work Study requires remote, digital research, using internet accessible public archives to locate historic materials and images. No travel expenses will be paid for in person research, for access to internet services, or for subscription-based research platforms. Access to selected fee-based research services will be provided through VA History Office organizational subscription accounts. The student will select from a list of projects central to the ongoing development of the VA History Program and the NVAHC and may have the opportunity to propose original topics once familiar with the mission of the Office. Specific projects based on a student’s unique skillset may also be considered. Some examples of projects include:

  • Researching and writing in-depth studies of 20 or more pages on a topic related to VA’s history (e.g., “The Impact of the GI Bill on Higher Education”). Studies would be based on extensive research into both primary and secondary sources.
  • Researching and writing historical blog posts and/or feature stories for the VA History website. These stories can range from 200 words (for blog posts) to 1,000 words (for feature stories). Students should expect to produce multiple stories throughout the course of their Work Study.
  • Designing virtual exhibits for publication on the VA History website. Exhibits can encompass any aspect of VA’s history and should combine visual elements with well-researched text. Examples of previous exhibits include “Historic Postcards from the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers Era” and “VA Research at 100: A Century of Medical Advancements.”
  • Creating other VA history products such as podcasts, short videos, and interactive displays based on the student’s interests and prior experience with these mediums.

Eligibility: To be eligible for this Work Study program, students must be receiving VA education benefits and be enrolled at least ¾-time in a degree-seeking program. Additional information on eligibility and the application process can be found at: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/work-study/.

Compensation: Work Study participants are paid through the Veterans Benefits Administration and work hours will be certified by the VA History Office. Participants will be paid the minimum wage of Washington, D.C., which is where the VA History Office is located. The minimum wage for D.C. is $17.95, as of July 2025. VA will pay you for each completed 50-hour period or every other week, whichever comes first.

Location: This work study program will be entirely remote.

Preferred Skills: The ideal candidate is a graduate student in History, Public History, or Museum Studies. Applicants should have extensive experience in historical research and a proven ability to complete projects independently with minimal supervision. Applicants should also be able to work as part of a team. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be willing to furnish letters of recommendation and writing samples upon request.

How to Apply: Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are due July 1st, and should be submitted via email to VAHistoryOffice@va.gov and Michael.Visconage@va.gov. Please include a CV and a cover letter that addresses why you are interested in this position and a project that may be of interest to you, if known.

Questions regarding this program may also be directed to the above emails.