The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) accepted entries for its 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot's Pen youth 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, "Why is the Veteran Important?" is 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 competition by answering this year's theme question, "My Pledge to our Veterans?"  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.

NOW YOU CAN APPLY ELECTRONICALLY 

 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 

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, 2022

If you have any questions contact, Committee Chairman, Jack Lovato at 505-550-4076.  Mr. Lovato must receive your completed Entry Form and essay no later than 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2022.

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

Youth Scholarships

Help Your Kids Get a Head Start on Their Future