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.
Youth Scholarships
Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Read the Voice of Democracy rules here. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
About the 2024-2025 winner ...
Tri Vu, a high school senior at Central High School from Manchester, New Hampshire, was named the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Tri's speech on the theme, "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?" was awarded the top prize of a $35,000 college scholarship. Sponsored by Queen City Memorial VFW Post 8214 in Manchester, New Hampshire, unfortunately Tri was unable to attend the ceremony, but accepted the award via video message. Read his essay here.
Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live, or see this year's complete list of winners.
Patriot's Pen
Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million 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!
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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Read the Patriot's Pen rules here. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
About the 2024-2025 winner ...
Evelyn Newbigging, an eighth grade student from Lancaster, South Carolina, was named the 2024-2025 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Voice in America's Democracy?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Newbigging was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in Indian Land, South Carolina.
Watch as Newbigging delivered her winning essay during the 2025 VFW's Parade of Winners that was streamed live, or read her essay here. See the complete list of 2025 national winners.
Youth Scholarships Additional Resources
