Scholarship
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Award
up to $35,000 (national first place)
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Audio-essay scholarship competition for students in grades 9-12 who write and record a speech on an annual patriotic theme; entries are submitted through a local VFW Post. National first place is a $35,000 scholarship.
Eligibility
- Grade levels
- High school
- Essay
- Required
Application requirements
- Prepare recorded audio essay on theme: Create an audio essay on the published theme. 2026-27 theme: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America."
- Complete official entry form: Download and complete the Voice of Democracy entry form from the official VFW youth scholarships page.
- Submit to sponsoring local VFW Post: Submit your audio essay and completed entry form to your local participating VFW Post. Find a sponsoring Post on the official site.
- Meet local post deadline: Essays must be turned in by midnight, October 31, per official 2026-27 cycle language.
Verified Jun 24, 2026 · View official source