Voice of Democracy 2024-2025
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students the unique opportunity to express themselves regarding a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Ea ear, nearly 25,000 9th through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's American university, college, or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships ranges from $1,000 to $21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
Download your VOD application here. Submit your application to VFW Post 430, PO Box 417, Canyon, Texas 79015. All entries are due by MIDNIGHT OCTOBER 31, 2024.
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in 6th through 8th grades enter the VFW's Patriot's Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million 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!
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America's history and their own experiences in modern American society. Participants draft a 300- to 400-word essay expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.
Download your application here. Please submit it to VFW Post 430, PO Box 417, Canyon, Texas 79015. All entries are due by midnight on October 31, 2024.