Voice of Democracy
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 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-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025 2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Your Sponsor is Post 1337 as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony, which was streamed live, or see this year's complete list of winners.
