Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students in grades 9-12 with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 51,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships ranges from $1,000-$16,000, 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. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, and download the 2020-21 entry form application, as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2020.

 Chairman:  Carla Scott  scottcs@me.com

The 2020-21 theme: 

What is Patriotism to Me?

Each year more than 138,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $900,000 in state and national awards. Each first place state 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. 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, and download the 2020-21 entry form application as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2020.

Chairman:  Carla Scott  scottcs@me.com 

The 2020-21 theme:

Why We Should Honor Our Veterans

The Department of Washington VFW also has a Youth Essay program that is for youth in grades 3-5.

The youth essay contest is an essay of no more than 250-words based on a patriotic theme chosen by the Department of Washington State Jr. Vice Commander. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, and download the 2020-21 entry form application as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2020.