09/21/2026
VFW scholarship competitions for students: Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen
Calling All Middle & High School Students! The VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship competitions are now open! 2026–2027 Theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America”
This is your opportunity to honor our nation’s veterans by sharing your thoughts, experiences, and appreciation through writing or speech while competing for scholarships and national recognition!
Patriot’s Pen (Grades 6–8)
Do you know any patriotic students in grades 6-8 who are enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or home study program and who could use $5,000? Encourage them to enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest. The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting an essay, expressing their views based on this year's theme: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America."
Essays must be no less than 300 words and cannot exceed 400 words and should be submitted to their local VFW Post, along with the completed Patriot's Pen entry form no later than the October 31, 2026 deadline. Interested students and teachers should contact the Patriot's Pen Chairman at VFW Post #5981 by email at [email protected] for an entry form and more information.
Each year, more than 60,000 middle/junior high school students from across the country compete for national awards totaling $1,000,000. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
Voice of Democracy (Grades 9–12)
Do you know any local student in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program and who could use up to $35,000 for college? Encourage them to enter the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay scholarship competition. This year’s theme is “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
Students who interested in participating must record a three-to-five minute audio essay in MP3 format (no videos) on a flash drive, or other electronic device and submit the recording, a typed essay, and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by midnight, October 31, 2026.
Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at VFW Post #5981 by email at [email protected] for an entry form and more information.
Parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, and community leaders—please encourage the young people in your life to participate in these outstanding scholarship opportunities while learning about the sacrifices and service of America’s veterans.
Let’s inspire the next generation to honor our veterans, celebrate patriotism, and share their voices!
