Students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories, and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools, must submit their applications by the March 31 deadline.
Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence status (the application for which has not been denied) to become a U.S. citizen.
Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or older, GED and adult education students, or national winners of previous Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contests are ineligible.
What is the Scholarship Amount?
The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $37,000.
What are the Scholarship Submission Requirements?
Two-dimensional art must be on canvas or paper. Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink, oil, marker, or other media taught may be used.
Do not frame two-dimensional pieces.
Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board. Reinforce the back with heavy paper. Mats, including mounted and floating mats, may be used.
The art should be no smaller than 8” x 10” but no larger than 18” x 24”, INCLUDING mat.
Complete the entry form and attach it to the back of the entry.
Submit a typed explanation of patriotism expressed in art (250 words or fewer).
What are the Scholarship Contest Deadlines?
March 31: Student Entry Deadline to VFW Auxiliary.*
April 15: VFW Auxiliary winners due to the Department (state) Scholarships Chairman for judging.*
May 5: VFW Auxiliary Department (state) Winners to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters.*
