Youth Essay & Scholarship Programs

Grades 3–5 • Washington State Program

Washington State Youth Essay

Students explore the people, principles, and history that shaped our nation through patriotic writing. Grades are judged separately.

2026–2027 theme

"What I Would Say to a Founding Father or Founding Mother”

Download the entry form for complete eligibility, essay, and submission requirements. Confirm delivery arrangements with your sponsoring Post or Auxiliary.

Deadlines and advancement

1. October 31, 2026 — Student entries: Submit to a local VFW Post or Auxiliary.
2. November 15, 2026 — Post and Auxiliary winners: Forward to the District. Forward one winner for every 15 entries judged in each grade.
3. December 15, 2026 — District winners: Submit to the Department Adjutant with the rollup.

Submission routing for Posts and Districts

All-State programs: District submissions go to the Department Adjutant. Programs outside All-State go directly to the appropriate Department Chairman.

• Youth Essay: Send District winners and the rollup to the Department Adjutant by December 15, 2026.
• Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen: Use Scholars App for required entry uploads and winner promotion. Route Department-level administrative submissions to the Department Adjutant; this does not replace the Scholars App process.

Program questions may be directed to the assistance contact below. Confirm the current delivery instructions with the Department Adjutant before sending District materials.

Grades 6–8 • Written Essay Contest

Patriot’s Pen

Middle school students write about patriotism and citizenship. The Department winner advances to the national competition.

2026–2027 theme

"What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

All entries must be submitted through Scholars App. Upload entries to Scholars App for Post judging. Paper or emailed entries are not accepted.

Deadlines and advancement

1. October 31, 2026: Entries must be uploaded by midnight.
2. November 15, 2026: Posts must promote winners in Scholars App by midnight. Promote one entry for every 15 entries judged.
3. December 15, 2026: Each District must promote one winner to Department in Scholars App by midnight.

Confirm the applicable deadline time zone and submission requirements in Scholars App.

Grades 9–12 • Audio Essay Contest

Voice of Democracy

High school students share their views on freedom, democracy, and civic responsibility through an audio essay.

2026–2027 theme

"What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

All entries must be submitted through Scholars App. Upload the audio file and transcript to Scholars App. Paper or mailed entries are not accepted.

Deadlines and advancement

1. October 31, 2026: Entries must be uploaded by midnight.
2. November 15, 2026: Posts must promote winners in Scholars App by midnight. Promote one entry for every 15 entries judged.
3. December 15, 2026: Each District must promote one winner to Department in Scholars App by midnight.

Confirm the applicable deadline time zone and submission requirements in Scholars App.

Washington Youth Essay assistance

Need help with program requirements, the entry form, or finding a sponsoring Post or Auxiliary?

Text messages may also be sent to 509-680-0418.