You could be one application away from thousands of dollars
Stop searching. Start applying.
Start Applying - It's FreeTakes just 3 minutes
Stop searching. Start applying.
Direct application
Last updated by Award Scholar on
U.S. citizens or permanent residents in grades 9-12 who plan to attend college after high school graduation may enter the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.
The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to their college or vocational school. Additional national scholarships range from $1,000 to $21,000, with 55 total awards across the program.
Record an audio essay on the year's patriotic theme, complete the entry form, and submit to a local sponsoring VFW Post by the deadline. Since 1947, the VFW has awarded over $2 million in scholarships annually through this program.
The VFW Voice of Democracy Competition awards $35,000 (55 winners).
October 31, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline are typically not considered, so plan to finish early.
Key requirements include: High school; United States. Check the full eligibility section above, or create a free Award Scholar profile to have every requirement checked against your profile automatically.
Stop searching. Start applying.
Yes, the application includes one essay question. Award Scholar drafts scholarship essays in your own voice, so the writing takes minutes instead of hours.
Create a free Award Scholar profile to confirm you qualify, draft the essays in minutes, and get the official application link with deadline reminders.
Award Scholar