The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) well soon be accepting applications/entries for its 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot's Pen youth Essay Scholarship Competitions.  The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation.  The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition, with the theme question,  like "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" students open to all students in grades 9-12.  Each State winner competed for the top national Grand Prize of a $35,000 scholarship.  Additional scholarship of between $1,000 and $16,000 are also awarded at the national level and the first place winner from each VFW Department (State) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Students in grades 6-8 competed in the Patriot's Pen Written Essay Competition by answering this year's theme question like, "How Are You Inspired by America?"  Entrants vie for the top Grand Prize award of $5,000; however 52 additional awards between $4,000 and $500 are made to competitors.  If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 VOD college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships are for you.  Each first place Department (State) Patriot's Pen winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

YOU WILL SOON BE ABLE APPLY ELECTRONICALLY 2025-2026  (This is the recommended Method of Applying)

 Click here to electronically apply for Voice of Democracy $35,000 Scholarship

Click here to electronically apply for Patriot's Pen $5,000 Scholarship

APPLY FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIP USING PAPER APPLICATIONS (We Strongly Encourage You to Apply Via the Electronically Filling Method Above)

Here is the link to the Voice of Democracy Student Entry Form 

Here is the link to the Patriot's Pen Student Entry Form

The Deadline for this year competitions will be: October 31, 2025

If you have any questions contact, Committee Chairman, John Tull at 505-249-6104.  Mr. Tull must receive your completed Entry Form and essays no later than 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2023.

For additional information about these essay competitions click the links below:

Youth Scholarships

Help Your Kids Get a Head Start on Their Future 

Voice of Democracy Rules and Eligibility

Patriot's Pen Rules and Eligibility