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Serving Those Who Served

Scholarship opportunities

VFW Youth Scholarship Competitions

Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) accepts entries for its Voice of Democracy (VOD) audio-essay and Patriot's Pen written-essay youth scholarship competitions. The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. 

  • The 2024 Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition, with the theme question, "What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?" is open to all students in grades 9–12. Each state winner competes for the top national grand prize of a $35,000 scholarship. Additional scholarships of between $1,000 and $16,000 are also awarded at the national level, and the first-place winner from each VFW department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.


  • Students in grades 6–8 compete in the 2024 Patriot's Pen competition by answering this year's theme question, "How are you inspired by America?". Entrants compete for the top Grand Prize award of $5,000; however, 52 additional awards between $4,000 and $500 are made to competitors.

The topics for each essay change every year and are normally released by September.

If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 VOD college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships are for you. Each first place Department (State) Patriot's Pen winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.


Click here to listen to the 2022-2023 finalists 

Apply for these scholarship using paper applications

The Deadline for these competitions is: October 31 every year
If you have any questions CONTACT US

For additional information about these essay competitions click the links below:

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Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.

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