Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the two million dollars in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. This year’s theme is “What Makes America Great.”

Who is eligible to enter the VFW Voice of Democracy audio essay contest?

The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

What are the scholarships worth?

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each (state) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

When is the application due? 

All entries competing at the Post level must be in the hands of that VFW Post by midnight, October 31, 2019. It is the responsibility of the student to meet this deadline by submitting their entry to the proper location by ensuring it is a participating Post.

To find out all the details, click here.

Best of luck to all applicants!