Voice of Democracy
The 2024-25 theme:
"Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?"
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 2024-25 Voice of Democracy entry form. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31.
Submission instructions are located here.
Patriot's Pen
The 2024-25 theme:
"My Voice in America's Democracy"
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 2024-25 entry form. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31.
Submission instructions are located here.
Youth Essay
The 2024-25 theme:
"How Should Our Veterans Be Treated?"
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.
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