The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in out future generation. If you are a democracy loving high school student interested in a potential $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning a potential $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 for 9th through 12th grade students from across this great 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 the other national scholarships range from $1,000 - $2,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (State) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. To find out more about and a sponsoring local VFW Post click here, as applications must be turned in by midnight, October 31st.

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth 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, 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 application find your sponsoring local VFW Post click here, applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.