Voice of Democracy Scholarship

The Voice of Democracy is an annual audio-essay contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offering high school students in grades 9–12 a unique opportunity to express themselves on a patriotic theme through a recorded essay. Since its inception in 1947, the program has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships annually.

🎓 Scholarship Overview

  • National First-Place Award: $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school.

  • Other National Awards: Range from $1,000 to $21,000.

  • State-Level Awards: Each VFW Department's first-place winner receives at least a $1,000 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

  • Total Scholarships: Over $2.3 million awarded annually.

📝 Eligibility Criteria

  • Grade Level: Open to students in grades 9–12 as of October 31 of the contest year.

  • Enrollment: Must be enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the U.S. or its territories.

  • Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required; however, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence and intend to become U.S. citizens at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.

  • Ineligibility: Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first-place state winners, and GED or Adult Education students are ineligible.

🎙️ Contest Format

  • Essay Length: 3–5 minutes when read aloud.

  • Theme for 2024–2025: “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”

  • Submission Requirements:

    • A typed essay.

    • A recording of the essay on a CD or flash drive.

    • Completed official entry form.

  • Submission Deadline: All materials must be submitted to a local VFW Post by midnight on October 31.

📍 How to Apply

  1. Find a Local VFW Post: Locate a participating VFW Post near you to sponsor your entry.

  2. Obtain the Entry Form: Download the official entry form from the VFW's Youth Scholarships page.

  3. Prepare Your Submission: Write and record your essay, ensuring it adheres to the contest guidelines.

  4. Submit Your Entry: Deliver your materials to the local VFW Post by the deadline.

For more information and to access the official entry form, visit the VFW's Youth Scholarships page:https://www.vfw.org/VOD/