09/14/2026
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 $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.
Patriot’s Pen Written Essay Competition
Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students in grades 6-8 an opportunity to write an essay expressing their views on the annual patriotic theme.
Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 students in grades 9-12 compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives by submitting an audio essay on the annual patriotic theme.
We invite our local students to join in and participate. Just scan the code for your applicable essay and you can review the complete rules and eligibility requirements and get started.
