ESSAY PROGRAMS

 
 

Voice of Democracy


 

The 2022-23 theme:
"Why is the Veteran Important?"


 

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students in grades 9-12 with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 51,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility, and download the 2021-22 Voice of Democracy entry form. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31.

You can submit your application here.

 

 

  

 

Patriot's Pen

 

 

The 2022-23 theme: 
"My Pledge to Our Veterans"


 

Each year more than 138,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $900,000 in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility, and download the 2021-22 entry form. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31.


You can submit your application here.

 

 

 

 

Youth Essay


 

The 2021-22 theme:

"Why are Veterans so Important to us?" 

The VFW Department of Washington also sponsors a Youth Essay program for Grade School aged children in grades 3-5. This is a wonderful opportunity to instill the values of patriotism and civic engagement in our youngsters. You can find the rules here.


You can submit your application here.

 


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