Youth & Education
Helping young people find their voices, recognize the meaning of service, and grow as leaders—while honoring the educators who guide them.
Patriotic writing & scholarships
Choose the program for your grade level. Each program has its own rules, entry format, and submission process.
Washington Youth Essay
A first opportunity to explore American history, citizenship, and the people who shaped our nation through student writing.
- Format
- Written essay, maximum 250 words
- Student deadline
- Where to start
- Participating VFW Post or Auxiliary
Patriot’s Pen
A national writing competition that helps middle school students consider patriotism, service, and citizenship.
- Format
- 300–400-word written essay
- Student deadline
- Washington submission
- Scholars App, with local Post instructions
Voice of Democracy
A national scholarship competition that invites high school students to communicate their ideas in a recorded patriotic essay.
- Format
- Written transcript and 3–5-minute audio recording
- Student deadline
- Washington submission
- Scholars App, with local Post instructions
Leadership & educator recognition
Celebrate young people who make a difference and teachers who make citizenship education meaningful.
Youth Leadership & Community Service
Washington’s award recognizes eligible youth ages 12–18 for meaningful leadership, character, and service. A history of 25 service hours within 24 months is recommended; extraordinary service may also qualify.
Entry: Begin with a participating local VFW Post or Auxiliary; consult the current application for requirements and deadlines.
Eligibility & application →Teacher of the Year
The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award honors outstanding educators in elementary (K–5), middle (6–8), and high school (9–12) categories.
Local Post deadline: .
Nomination rules & form →Key dates at a glance
These milestones apply to the three student essay programs and Teacher of the Year. Check the individual program page for complete instructions.
- Student entries & teacher nominations Initial entry deadline for the essay competitions and Teacher of the Year.
- Post-to-District advancement Participating Posts advance qualifying winners; the two national essay contests use Scholars App.
- District-to-Department advancement District winners and required materials reach the Department through their program-specific process.
Dates shown are for the 2026–2027 cycle. Online-entry cutoff times must be confirmed in Scholars App. Youth Leadership has separate program instructions.
Where do I submit?
Submitting to the correct location is just as important as meeting the deadline.
- Washington Youth Essay: Students submit their entries to a participating local VFW Post or Auxiliary. That organization coordinates local judging and advancement.
- Patriot’s Pen & Voice of Democracy: Washington entries and winner promotions use Scholars App. Contact a participating Post for the correct application link and follow the Department’s online submission instructions.
- Teacher of the Year & Youth Leadership: Begin with a participating VFW Post; consult the appropriate program page to confirm nomination or application requirements and delivery instructions.
Helpful resources
Official guidance for students, educators, Post chairmen, and District leaders.
