Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars 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, nearly 25,000 high ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students from across the United States of America enter to win their share of more than $1.3 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 to $21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Download and complete the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy entry form. Before submitting your essay, read the program rules and eligibility requirements. Make sure to have a picture for entries going to the State competition.
Patriot's Pen Essay Contest
The 2024-2025 theme is "My Voice in America’s Democracy?”
Each year, Veterans of Foreign Wars recognize exceptional middle school students through the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Every year, nearly 70,000 students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade enter to win VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than 1.4 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. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Download and complete the 2024-2025 entry form here. Make sure to have a picture for entries going to the State competition.