Oct 12, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For nearly 80 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has invested in America's next generation of leaders through its Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth patriotic essay contests. The Oct. 31 deadline is fast approaching for middle and high school students to enter this year's competition and have their chance at winning a share of nearly $3 million in scholarships and awards.
This year's theme for both programs is "What a Veteran Taught Me About America."
Established in 1947, the VFW Voice of Democracy patriotic audio-essay contest is one of the nation's premier youth scholarship programs. Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students record an audio essay for a share of more than $1.6 million in scholarships and incentives. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship, with other national awards reaching up to $21,000. Every VFW Department (state) first place winner will receive at least $1,000.
The rewards go beyond the classroom. Each Voice of Democracy Department first place winner also earns a trip to Founding Forward's Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge. During this four-day program, students take part in mock congressional debates, a free enterprise challenge, visits to historical sites and interactive learning activities that build critical thinking and leadership skills. The trip is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.
For students in sixth through eighth grades, Patriot's Pen offers a chance to share in more than $1 million in local and national awards by writing a 300- to 400-word essay on the same theme. The national first place winner receives a $5,000 award, and each Department first place winner receives at least $500 at the national level.
Students interested in participating must submit their entry form and essay to their local participating VFW Post by midnight on Oct. 31. Entry forms and program details are available at vfw.org/YouthScholarships.