Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students the unique opportunity to express themselves regarding a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 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, download the 2025-2026 entry form here. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31 to vfwpost12223@gmail.com.
