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AMERICANISM

Youth Scholarships 
 
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.


Voice of Democracy

The 2025-26 theme is: 
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

 


Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 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 range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Read the Voice of Democracy rules here. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31

 

 




 

 

 

 

Patriot's Pen Essay Contest

The 2025-26 theme is: 
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”


Patriot's Pen

Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual 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, 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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Read the Patriot's Pen rules here. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Teacher of the Year
2024-2025 INFO to be announced.
 

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.

Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.

Looking to share updated information and materials on VFW's Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Teacher Award programs? Share our National Scholarship Brochure (coming soon) with the students and educators in your community.

 



 
Return Applications in person or by mail to:
 
VFW Post 12190 
4290 Triangle Industrial CT
Evans, GA 30809
 
POC: Ivan Dressler
ivan.dressler@gmail.com