Established in 1947, the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay program offered high school students a unique opportunity to express themselves through a recorded essay on a democratic and patriotic theme. Each year, nearly 26,000 ninth through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 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 ranges from $1,000 to $21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least $1,000.
Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted by midnight on October 31, 2025. Download and complete the 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy entry form here. After you complete the Entry Form, you can email it directly to the Post Adjutant.
