Voice of Democracy (Grades 9-12)
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?" Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. National winners will be notified of their scholarship & placement.
Anyone in grades 9 through 12 in any school (to include home school) may apply for the Voice of Democracy. You will need to submit by October 31st a 3-5 minute audio essay. For more information on the rules and how to enter, click on
Voice of Democracy. Last year the National winner was awarded $35,000.
Patriot Pen (Grades 6-8)
Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 60,000 students who participated last year in this contest.
What Is the Theme? VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2025-2026 theme is: "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?"
Anyone in grades 6 through 8 in any school (to include home school) may apply for the Patriot Pen. Your essay needs to be in English and between 300 and 400 words in length. The essay will need to be submitted by October 31st. For more information on the rules and how to enter, click on
Patriot Pen. Last year the National winner was awarded $5000.
If you have never created an account with Scholars App, here is a guide for Patriot Pen or Voice of Democracy. They are the same process so if you created an account for one, you have access to the other.
If you have any questions or need more information, please send us an
email.
